Earth & Space Sciences

This class is an introductory geology course to understand the fundamental issues of Earth Sciences.  The course addresses the basics of Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, Geochemistry and Experimental Mineral Physics. Lectures will be given weekly by three Associate Professors and one lecturer. 

This course explores the origin and evolution of life and the universe, and man's place in it. 

This course examines fundamental concepts in geomorphology for geologists and physical geographers. Key aspects of geomorphology, sedimentology, and earth surface processes are introduced by studying the temporal and spatial development of coastal and river landforms. Applied techniques for earth and environmental sciences, including field, remote sensing, GIS mapping, and modelling.

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the importance of our oceans as the driver of our climate, source of sustenance, and focus of domestic and international political, economic and legal negotiations. Students explore topics including but not limited to oceanic processes such as global and local currents and oceanic weather, marine life and marine biology, resources within our oceans, and the future and potential futures of the world's oceans as affected by humans and global warming.

This course examines sedimentology and stratigraphy as a record of Earth’s changing landscapes, depositional environments, and climates through time. It covers the principles of fluid flow, sediment transport, and sedimentary depositional environments and how these processes affect the texture and composition of sedimentary rocks; carbonate sedimentology and oceanography; the interpretation of carbonate environments; the interaction of biota with substrates; the preservation potential of different fossil groups; and sedimentary features.

This course examines the evolution of the Antarctic continent; the dynamics of polar ice; the drivers of weather and climate in Antarctica; the circulation of the Southern Ocean; and astronomy and human interaction with the polar region, including the history of exploration and intriguing legal issues.

This course, intended for international students, provides a study of Earth sciences, natural forces, and natural hazard mitigations. Instruction is provided by experts from four key fields of Earth sciences, who focus on the natural forces and phenomena surrounding the island of Taiwan. Through this course students explore the vibrancy, and sometimes unpredictable risk, of living on this beautiful island. The course format includes lectures, guest speakers, group discussions, and field trips to locations with important natural phenomena.