To study a planet’s climatic variation over geologic time we must look for subtle clues in the sedimentary rock record. We are currently doing this on two planets, and scientists have their sights set on more planetary bodies around the solar system. At the same time, the James Webb telescope is offering an unprecedented glimpse of what planets may look like outside of our solar system. This advanced seminar will focus on the methods for studying Earth’s environmental change over deep time, and speculate on the uniqueness or non-uniqueness of our solar system based breaking new data. Students will be assessed primarily on independent investigations and making positive contributions to class discussions. Class discussions will be supplemented by field trips that require light physical activity.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Learn how scientific research informs societal understanding of environmental issues
2) Learn how to make observations of the natural world and connect them to the larger framework of scientific understanding
3) Learn to read scientific literature
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Prior coursework in Natural Science and Permission of Instructor; Email Tim Schroeder (tschroeder@bennington.edu) for registration information.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
W 10:00AM - 11:50AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 14
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Earth Science , Environment , Fully In-Person , Two Credit
Tags: Climate , Geology