Tullis Onstott - Teaching
GEO/AST/EEB/CHM 255 Life in the Universe
This course introduces students to a new field, Astrobiology, where scientists trained in biology, chemistry, astronomy and geology combine their skills to discover life's origins and to seek extraterrestrial life. Topics include: the origin of life on Earth, the prospects of life beneath the surfaces of Mars and Europa, a moon of Jupiter; extra-solar planets nearby that offer targets for NASA space telescopes searching for life. Students will experience first hand the diverse techniques used to study extremophiles in hot springs and on future Mars missions during a fall-break trip to Yellowstone Park.
GEO 312 – Introduction to Mineralogy and Mars
Mineralogy and Mars-In January 2004 two rovers and an orbiter arrived at Mars to survey the mineralogy and look for life. Since then two more orbiters have arrived with high resolution spectral capabilities. This course will compare the minerals found on Earth with those being sought on Mars and the fundamental processes that govern their formation including biomineralization. Labs will focus on the optical and spectroscopic methods used by these robots for mineral identification. Students will analyze data available from the probes and previous missions to deduce mineralogy and infer its significance. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM201 or 203 or instructors permission.
GEO 523 – Geomicrobiology
This course will focus on the theoretical principles and experimental observations pertaining to the metabolic activity of microorganisms in the subsurface and extreme environments. The relationships between microbial activity, geochemistry and mineralogy will be explored in both theory and practice by examining case studies of bioaugmentation and biostimulation in contaminated aquifers. The course is part lecture and part seminar in structure where students will be required to prepare and present summaries of selected seminal papers.