Courses Taught by Professor Poulsen include:
EARTH 114. Global Warming. The Earth is warming. In this course, we review the evidence for and the causes of global warming. We also examine the consequences of global warming, and the projections for future climate change. Finally, we discuss why global warming is such a contentious societal issue, and what if anything should be done to solve the problem.
EARTH 331. Climate and Climate Change. This course describes Earth’s climate and the physical processes that maintain it. It also examines the history and causes of climate change. Emphasis is placed on understanding climate change from early in Earth’s history through the near future. The evidence of human-caused changes in climate is also discussed. Specific topics addressed include: (1) radiation, energy balance, and the greenhouse effect; (2) atmospheric and ocean circulation; (3) methods of quantifying past and present climate change; (4) Earth’s climate history and its causes; (5) short-term (historic) natural climate variability; and (6) humans and climate change. Students with interests in global change, paleoclimate, and/or the environment are encouraged to enroll. Discussion sections elaborate on lecture topics, have students work with and quantitatively interpret data related to lecture topics, and solve problem sets related to lectures.
EARTH 331. Climate and Climate Change. This course describes Earth’s climate and the physical processes that maintain it. It also examines the history and causes of climate change. Emphasis is placed on understanding climate change from early in Earth’s history through the near future. The evidence of human-caused changes in climate is also discussed. Specific topics addressed include: (1) radiation, energy balance, and the greenhouse effect; (2) atmospheric and ocean circulation; (3) methods of quantifying past and present climate change; (4) Earth’s climate history and its causes; (5) short-term (historic) natural climate variability; and (6) humans and climate change. Students with interests in global change, paleoclimate, and/or the environment are encouraged to enroll. Discussion sections elaborate on lecture topics, have students work with and quantitatively interpret data related to lecture topics, and solve problem sets related to lectures.
EARTH 202. Introductory Environmental Science in the Rockies. This field course takes place at Camp Davis, WY and introduces students to environmental science in the Rocky Mountains. The objective of the course is to understand through observation and hands-on experience how natural and human processes cause environmental change. Students learn the principles of the physical sciences, including aspects of earth, atmosphere, and biogeographical sciences, while experiencing the grandeur of the west. We use these principles to understand how past environmental change altered the Rocky Mountain landscape, plants and animals, and how humans are currently perturbing these natural systems. We address today's most pressing environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, and air, water, and soil pollution. This course is designed for all students with an interest in environmental science. It includes field trips to western locales including Yellowstone National Park. See the Camp Davis website for more information.
EARTH 116. Introductory Geology in the Rockies. This field course takes place at Camp Davis, WY and is an introductory class covering all aspects of modern earth sciences. Students learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils, both in the classroom and in a variety of natural settings, which leads to discussion and understanding of topics such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, geoenvironmental problems, paleoceanography, and tectonic processes. See the Camp Davis website for more information.
EARTH 151. Ice Ages Past and Present. A first-year seminar that surveys Earth's past ice ages, their causes, consequences, and lessons for understanding Earth's climate system.
EARTH/AOSS 410. Earth System Modeling. An introduction to Earth system modeling, the art and science of reducing complex natural interactions on Earth into rules than can be expressed and solved numerically. The objective of the course is to develop and build numerical models related to the Earth sciences. Major concepts covered include scientific programming; numerical concepts including finite difference methods, stability, accuracy, convergence; advection and diffusion equations; and construction of numerical models.
EARTH 151. Ice Ages Past and Present. A first-year seminar that surveys Earth's past ice ages, their causes, consequences, and lessons for understanding Earth's climate system.
EARTH/AOSS 410. Earth System Modeling. An introduction to Earth system modeling, the art and science of reducing complex natural interactions on Earth into rules than can be expressed and solved numerically. The objective of the course is to develop and build numerical models related to the Earth sciences. Major concepts covered include scientific programming; numerical concepts including finite difference methods, stability, accuracy, convergence; advection and diffusion equations; and construction of numerical models.
