printer friendly pageESS 8: The Oceans: An Introduction to the Marine Environment (EARTHSYS 8)
The course will provide a basic understanding of how the ocean functions as a suite of interconnected ecosystems, both naturally and under the influence of human activities. Emphasis is on the interactions between the physical and chemical environment and the dominant organisms of each ecosystem. The types of ecosystems discussed include coral reefs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, coastal upwelling systems, blue-water oceans, estuaries, and near-shore dead zones. Lectures, multimedia presentations, group activities, and tide-pooling day trip.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Arrigo, K. (PI)
ESS 46N: Exploring the Critical Interface between the Land and Monterey Bay: Elkhorn Slough (EARTHSYS 46N)
Preference to freshmen. Field trips to sites in the Elkhorn Slough, a small agriculturally impacted estuary that opens into Monterey Bay, a model ecosystem for understanding the complexity of estuaries, and one of California's last remaining coastal wetlands. Readings include Jane Caffrey's "Changes in a California Estuary: A Profile of Elkhorn Slough". Basics of biogeochemistry, microbiology, oceanography, ecology, pollution, and environmental management.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Francis, C. (PI)
;
Bullington, J. (TA)
ESS 102: Scientific Basis of Climate Change (ESS 202)
This course explores the scientific basis of anthropogenic climate change. We will read the original papers that established the scientific foundation for the climate change forecast. Starting with Fourier's description of the greenhouse effect, we trace the history of the key insights into how humanity is perturbing the climate system. The course is based on "The Warming Papers", edited by David Archer and Raymond Pierrehumbert. Participants take turns presenting and leading a discussion of the papers and of Archer and Pierrehumbert's commentary.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Sheshadri, A. (PI)
ESS 103: Rethinking Meat: An Introduction to Alternative Proteins (EARTHSYS 109, EARTHSYS 209, ESS 203, ETHICSOC 107)
How do we feed a growing population in the face of climate change? Will Impossible Burgers become the new norm? Are you curious to learn about a frontier in bio- and chemical-engineering? Are you passionate about animal rights, human health, and sustainable agriculture? Learn about the environmental, ethical, and economic drivers behind the market for meat replacements. We'll take a deep dive into the science and technology used to develop emerging plant, fermentation and cell-based meat alternatives and explore the political challenges and behavioral adaptation needed to decrease meat consumption. Hear from entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovative startups developing sustainable and marketable alternative proteins through weekly guest lectures from industry leaders.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-2
ESS 106: World Food Economy (EARTHSYS 106, EARTHSYS 206, ECON 106, ECON 206, ESS 206)
The World Food Economy is a survey course that covers the economic and political dimensions of food production, consumption, and trade. The course focuses on food markets and food policy within a global context. It is comprised of three major sections: structural features (agronomic, technological, and economic) that determine the nature of domestic food systems; the role of domestic food and agricultural policies in international markets; and the integrating forces of international research, trade, and food aid in the world food economy. This 5-unit course entails a substantial group modeling project that is required for all students. Enrollment is by application only. The application is found at
https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to upper-level undergraduates who need the course for their major, and to graduate students pursuing work directly related to the course. The application submission period will close on March 15
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: WAY-SI
Instructors:
Naylor, R. (PI)
;
Varkey, K. (TA)
ESS 108: Research Preparation for Undergraduates
For undergraduates planning to conduct research during the summer with faculty through the MUIR and SUPER programs. Readings, oral presentations, proposal development. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
Instructors:
Field, C. (PI)
;
Sharbono, B. (PI)
ESS 151: Biological Oceanography (EARTHSYS 151, EARTHSYS 251, ESS 251)
Required for Earth Systems students in the oceans track. Interdisciplinary look at how oceanic environments control the form and function of marine life. Topics include distributions of planktonic production and abundance, nutrient cycling, the role of ocean biology in the climate system, expected effects of climate changes on ocean biology. Local weekend field trips.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3-4
| UG Reqs: WAY-SMA
Instructors:
Arrigo, K. (PI)
;
Lauer, J. (TA)
ESS 155: Science of Soils (EARTHSYS 155)
Physical, chemical, and biological processes within soil systems. Emphasis is on factors governing nutrient availability, plant growth and production, land-resource management, and pollution within soils. How to classify soils and assess nutrient cycling and contaminant fate. Recommended: introductory chemistry and biology.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
ESS 162: Remote Sensing of Land (EARTHSYS 142, EARTHSYS 242, ESS 262)
The use of satellite remote sensing to monitor land use and land cover, with emphasis on terrestrial changes. Topics include pre-processing data, biophysical properties of vegetation observable by satellite, accuracy assessment of maps derived from remote sensing, and methodologies to detect changes such as urbanization, deforestation, vegetation health, and wildfires.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR
ESS 166: Will Technology Save the World?: Environmental Ethics and Techno-Optimism (ESS 266)
The environment is in crisis and we are the cause. In this class we examine our relationship to the environment, and our ethical obligations towards humans, non-human species, and the ecosystem more broadly. We will be doing this through the lens of technology, asking how novel eco-tech might help us solve the environmental crisis, including evaluating the risks, benefits, and ethics of proposed solutions like geo-engineering, genetic modification, and renewable energies. As part of this, we will consider who benefits from technological solutions, how we might need to change our relationship to nature, and whether societies are betting too much on the promise of future technologies to fix current environmental crises. The course will ground students in applied environmental ethics, teaching them how to apply ethical decision-making frameworks, including non-western ethical systems, with an emphasis on case studies and practical implementation.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
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