Courses
Prof. Catalano teaches a number of courses at Washington University:
EPSc 140 Freshman Seminar: Geology and Human Health
This
course explores the connections between human health and geological
processes. Key concepts in geology are introduced as well as the
pathways through which natural systems affect human health. A
series of case studies will be presented, each describing a specific
health hazard and its geological origin. The first set of studies
will focus on human health effects associated with windborne exposure
to harmful materials, including asbestos, dust and aerosols, and the
products of coal combustion. The course will then use the topic of
mercury, which is emitted into to atmosphere and then accumulates in
aquatic systems, to transition to water and soil borne pathways of
exposure. This will be followed by case studies exploring water
availability and quality, arsenic in groundwater, with a special
emphasis on widespread arsenic poisoning in South and Southeast Asia,
lead in mining areas and urban soils, and radon and radioactive
materials. Students will conduct team risk assessment projects as well
as an individual project. 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
500 Special Topics: Geochemical
and Biogeochemical Reaction Modeling
Theory and application of
geochemical and biogeochemical reaction modeling. Focus is on
low-temperature and hydrothermal aqueous systems. Approaches to
modeling aqueous processes and their application in diverse geologic,
environmental, and planetary systems. 3 units
EPSc 511 Minerals in
Aqueous Environments
Systematic mineralogy and crystal chemistry of common low-temperature
minerals, including clays, zeolites, carbonates, 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 will be on processes and mechanisms. Common
analytical methods will be introduced throughout the
course. 3 units
EPSc 595 Seminar: Professional Development in Earth and Planetary Sciences
One
hour weekly discussion of topics important to a career in Earth and
Planetary Sciences. Topics to be covered include working with a
supervisor, ethics, the scientific literature, written and oral
communication skills, scientific publishing, grant writing, teaching
strategies and assessments, effective lecturing, academic and
non-academic jobs, and time management. Intended for graduate
students in their second or third year; more senior students are
welcome to sit in on the seminar. 1 unit