Research Methods in the Earth Sciences

Research Methods in the Earth Sciences

Instructor: Scott Paterson
Office SCI 307; phone = 06103; email = paterson@usc.edu.
Office Hours: TBA and anytime my door is open.

Catalogue Description:  Nature of scientific inquiry and history of physical sciences; Strategies and methodologies for research in earth sciences. An introduction to science writing and quantitative methods in the Earth Sciences (2 units, fall) Course Objectives:  This course will expose USC undergraduates to the nature of scientific inquiry, research strategies useful in the sciences, the writing and quantitative skills necessary to pursue research, and the types of research presently underway in the Earth Sciences Department.  There will be an emphasis on developing skills in creative hypothesis formulation and testing, critical reading and data analysis, basic statistical tools, data synthesis, and preparing both oral presentations and written reports. Problem sets that require increasing expertise in software packages and in quantitative skills will be required.  This course will effectively introduce and engage students in undergraduate research and can be linked to ongoing individual or team research projects leading to senior theses, professional publications and presentations as well as prepare them for summer internships.