G30 Spring AY2022

Fundamentals of Earth Science II
Undergraduate / Graduate

Undergraduate

Registration Code0052521

Course Category

Sciences BasicCredits

2.0

Term (Semester) / Day / Period

G-II (1st year, Spring Semester) / Tue. / 5 (16:30～18:00)

Instructor

HUMBLET Marc AndreContact e-mail of the Instructor
humblet.marc.n3@f.mail.nagoya-u.ac.jp●Goals of the Course
This course explores the interactions between humanity and the Earth system. The Earth is a dynamic planet
where the evolution of the environment and that of life are closely related. Human societies are profoundly
influenced by climate change and geologic events such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Today thegrowing human population and its use of natural resources are affecting the environment on a global scale to an
extent never attained before. This course is intended to introduce some of the most important problematics
arising from our interactions with planet Earth.
●Objectives of the Course
By taking this course students will acquire a basic knowledge of volcanology and seismology, past and present
climate change, and the nature and use of geologic resources. Learning about the interactions between
humanity and the Earth system is needed to use Earth’s limited natural resources in a sustainable manner,
minimize the risks of natural hazards, and envisage a safe future for us all. Students will also have theopportunity to explore further a topic of their choice, and share what they have learned with their classmates.
●Course Content or Plan
1. Introduction – review of plate tectonics
2. Volcanoes
3. Seismology I: The nature of earthquakes and their effects
4. Seismology II: Reconstruction of Earth’s interior based on the behavior and detection of seismic waves
5. Biogeochemical cycles I: The Water Cycle
6. Biogeochemical cycles II: The Carbon Cycle
7. Climate I: Introduction to the Climate System
8. Climate II: Natural Variations at geologic timescales
9. Climate III: Recent Global Change
10. Nature and use of geologic resources●Course Prerequisites and Related Courses
There is no prerequisite for this course. This course is most closely related to Fundamentals of Earth Science I.
●Course Evaluation Method and Criteria
Quizzes: 60%
Written essay: 30%
Oral presentation: 10%
Students who enrolled in 2020 will be graded using the six-step A+, A, B, C, C-, and F grade evaluation system(A+: 100-95%, A: 94-80%, B: 79-70%, C: 69-65%, C-: 64-60%, F: 59 % or less).
Students who enrolled in 2019 or before will be graded following the five-step S-A-B-C-F grade evaluation
system (S: 90-100%, A: 80-89%, B: 70-79%, C:60-69%, F: 59-0%).
A student will be given an “Absent” grade if he or she submits a Course Withdrawal Request by the end ofMay. This deadline does not apply to students who drop the class part-way through for an exceptional reason(e.g., illness, accident). Also, NUPACE students should check the deadline set by the NUPACE program forcourse withdrawal.
The quizzes cover the material learned in class and explained in notes and slides provided during each lecture.
The files of the notes and PPT slides are uploaded every week on NUCT.

G30 Spring AY2022
The grading scheme of the essay is explained during the first lecture of the course. Each student gives apresentation on the subject of their essay at the end of the semester.
●Study Load (Self-directed Learning Outside Course Hours)
Students should acquire a good understanding of the course content to be able to answer the questions of thequizzes. Students are also required to write a review paper on a subject of their choice related to the course
content. Students therefore need to search for information related to this subject and to summarize that
information in a clear, organized, and concise manner. The topic of the review paper is also the subject of anoral presentation that each student gives at the end of the semester.
●How to Respond to Questions
Live lectures will be organized (in class or online or both), and students are strongly encouraged to ask
questions during the lectures. Students can also contact me by e-mail or meet me in person in my office. NUCTwill be used as another way of communication, to share files and send messages.
Textbook

Reference Book

There is no required textbook for this course. Please refer to the recommended reading
below for an additional source of information.
Title: Understanding EarthAuthors: John Grotzinger & Thomas H. Jordan
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
Issue year: 2014 (7th edition)
ISBN: 978-1464138744