This course is intended for graduate students who are interested in learning about Earth System Science. The course will cover the basic concept and goals of Earth System Science and the techniques used in Earth System Science. We will also explore the history of the Earth as an example of a habitable planet and will consider how the coupled evolution of Earth's environment and life can be understood in the framework of the biogeochemical cycles. There are no specific prerequisites for taking the course, but a basic knowledge of geochemistry and/or geology is helpful.
Students will learn the following skills from taking this course:
・Be able to understand the basic concept and goals of Earth System Science
・Be able to recognize the sequence of and interrelationships between major events in the history of the Earth and life
・Be able to recognize the major techniques employed by theoretical studies of biogeochemical cycles
Earth System Science, Biogeochemical cycles, Biogeochemistry, Earth history, Paleoclimatology, Paleoceanography
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The course will draw upon lectures and readings, as well as discussions.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction to Earth System Science | Understand the basic concept of Earth System Science |
Class 2 | Techniques of System Science | Learn the feedback loop and the stability of the system |
Class 3 | Energy balance model and climate stability | Understand the climate stability |
Class 4 | Biogeochemical cycles | Understand biogeochemical cycles |
Class 5 | Carbon cycle and climate stability | Understand the Walker feedback |
Class 6 | Climate changes | Learn mechanisms responsible for climate changes |
Class 7 | Astrobiology | Learn astrobiology |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
None
Lenton (2016): Earth System Science: A very short introduction, Oxford University Press; ISBN 978-0-19-871887-1.
Kump et al. (2014): The Earth System, Pearson Education Limited; ISBN 10: 1-292-02163-2.
Report (70%) and discussion (30%).
None
ozaki.k.ai[at]m.titech.ac.jp
03-5734-3721
Monday 10:00-12:00 (or by email appointment) @214 Ishikawadai-2