As a member of the biggest grouping of geoscientists in the UK I’m lucky enough to teach on a range of courses across several Earth Science degree programmes, including:

Earth Materials: from atoms to planets

I am course organiser for this large year 2 (pre-honours) course for Earth/Environmental Science students, which is also open to any students with a suitable science background. In this course, we review the atomic theory of matter, consider how atoms are arranged in crystalline (and non-crystalline) materials, and ultimately, how atomic arrangements govern material properties. We review the major groups of solid materials which constitute planets such as the Earth, considering how atomic arrangements, composition, physical properties and occurrence are interrelated. Throughout, we develop an understanding of how the study of Earth materials provides insight into planetary processes. We also consider how the stability and occurrence of materials can be predicted and determined numerically, and used to constrain processes which have shaped planets throughout time.

Planetary Science

I am course organiser for this year 4 options course, which is an introduction to current research across planetary science and astrobiology, and open to students from across the College of Science and Engineering. Through a series of weekly sessions, supported by practicals in data analysis, we review topical areas of research in planetary science. A large component of the course involves student presentations of research papers and in-class discussions. I deliver the course with Dr Sean McMahon, with additional contributions from guest lecturers.