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Course Descriptions
EPSc 323 Biogeochemistry
Survey
of biogeochemical interactions among Earth´s crust, oceans, and
atmosphere, including perturbations due to human activities. Carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur biogeochemical cycles. Greenhouse
warming of atmosphere from carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons;
effects of inorganic and organic wastes in groundwater systems. 3 units
EPSc 413 Introduction to Soil Science
The
physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within soil
systems. The types of soils and how these relate to soil formation.
The major components of soil, including soil water, minerals, organic
matter, and microorganisms. Soils in wetlands and arid regions.
Cycling of nutrients and contaminants in soils. Soil quality,
conservation, and sustainability. Includes 2 one-day field trips. 3
units
EPSc
444 Environmental Geochemistry
Introduction to the geochemistry of natural waters and the processes
that alter their composition. Key principles of aqueous
geochemistry are introduced and then used to describe the main controls
on the chemistry of pristine and polluted soil, surface, and ground
water environments. Topics covered include acids and bases,
mineral solubility, carbonate chemistry, chemical speciation, redox
reactions, adsorption and ion exchange, and the speciation, mobility,
and toxicity of metals. 3 units
EPSc 511 Minerals in Aqueous Environments
Coordination
chemistry, chemical bonding, and the nature of water and aqueous
solutions. Systematic mineralogy and crystal chemistry of common
low-temperature minerals, including clays, zeolites, carbonates,
phosphates, sulfates, oxides of aluminum, iron and manganese, and metal
sulfides. Reactions between minerals and aqueous solutions,
including growth and dissolution, surface complexation, and redox
reactions. Role of these reactions in chemical weathering,
contaminant fate, microbe-mineral interactions, and
biomineralization. Focus is on understanding mineral-water
interface processes and mechanisms at the molecular level. Common
analytical methods used in mineral-water interface studies will be
introduced throughout the course. 3 units
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