Fall 2025:
GEOS 5300.001 – Physical Climate Science:
This graduate-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to the physical processes that govern Earth’s climate system. Core topics include the global energy balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, the hydrological cycle, sea ice dynamics, climate feedback mechanisms, climate modeling, natural climate variability, paleoclimate reconstructions, and anthropogenic climate change. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, supported by data analysis using Python-based notebooks, simplified climate models, and exercises that promote analytical thinking and physical reasoning. The course is intended for students in Earth sciences, physics, or engineering who seek not only a solid foundation in climate science but also practical tools to apply this knowledge to their own research interests.