FSEM 100 Starting in Scientific Researeh
–First offering in Fall 2026. This freshman seminar will introduce you to the possibilities that await you at USC in the world of scientific research at USC and practical steps to start your journey of discovery beyond the classroom. Professor Sarah Feakins has taught at USC for 18 years, runs a funded organic geochemistry based laboratory in the Earth Sciences hosting students from pre-health to engineering to environmental studies for internships, and knows the wider landscape of research across the sciences in Dornsife, Viterbi, Keck and local Museums.
FSEM 100 Feeding the world sustainably
–First offering in Fall 2022, repeated Fall 2023. This course seeks to know what our food production entails and to scope the most promising ideas for positive transformations in our lifetimes toward sustainability goals. Our learning will be guided by the latest developments from academic research, investigative journalism and innovative businesses operating locally and globally. In this seminar, you are invited to address fundamental problems with our existing approaches to food production from habitat and biodiversity loss, to soil erosion and dwindling fossil groundwater, to pollution, methane emissions and climate effects. Fortunately, given humanity’s hunger, we’re highly motivated to seek solutions. From proven ideas to new breakthroughs, we’ll explore the most promising avenues for changes toward a more sustainable food system. These are important issues – vital for life on earth, the climate system and our own healthy future.
GEOL 107-L Oceanography
– This course is offered every semester by myself or Professor Lloyd (in fall) or Professor Berelson (in spring). This is a General Education Category E Physical Science class. The course provides an introductory overview of the various aspects of oceanography. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
GEOL 387a Undergraduate Team Research
– a scientific communication and writing class for students geared to developing research communication skills and teamwork skills, and readiness for research and careers. Required for BSc track, recommended for BA track. Taught every year, in spring semester.
GEOL 412 Oceans, Environment & Climate
– offered every other year. Upper division course on the climate system, atmosphere, ocean and environment. Available for major credit in Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies. Required course in the climate track of the ENST program. Engineering and Business students – this is a great elective class if you have an interest in the climate system.
GEOL 414/HBIO 414 Survival in a changing world: humans, climate & environment
Survival in a Changing World examines how shifting climates and environments shaped human evolution, and how we in turn shaped our environment. This interdisciplinary course is designed for upper-division undergraduates in geology, anthropology, human biology, environmental studies, and related fields who are interested in the deep-time interplay between Earth systems and human development. Students will investigate climate drivers, paleoenvironmental proxies, and case studies linking ecological variability to milestones in human history, from bipedalism and dietary shifts to dispersals and technological innovation. Through analysis of data, critical evaluation of hypotheses, and synthesis of multiple lines of evidence, students will gain insight into the deep-time interactions between Earth systems and human adaptability. Beyond technical skills, the course aspires to help students develop an appreciation for the complexity of human–environment interactions, value interdisciplinary evidence and perspectives, and recognize the relevance of past climate challenges for navigating present and future global change.
GEOL 575 Organic Geochemistry
– offered every other year. Advanced course on the fundamentals and frontiers of organic geochemistry. Topics include biomarker and isotope geochemical approaches to reconstructing past marine and terrestrial environmental change.
GEOL 566 Geochemistry seminar
– ad hoc, on rotating topics, as interest arises sufficient to form a discussion group of about 6 students. Themes of my past offerings include: plant wax biogeochemistry, monsoons, the Pliocene, science communication, analytical methods.