Teaching
Bruce Harrison, Associate Professor of Geology

I teach two undergraduate classes: one in Surficial Processes and another which is an introduction to soil forming processes. Both these classes have a strong field orientation with three-hour field labs each week. I co-teach two other upper division undergrad/graduate classes: Quaternary Field Methods and Sedimentology, co-taught with Drs P. Mozley and D. Ulmer-Schole, and Active Tectonics with Dr. H. Tobin. Other upper division classes I have taught are taught on demand.
 

Course Details

Geology 306 - Surficial Processes.
Study of the major processes controlling the development of landforms and landscapes. Emphasizes the influence of these processes on our environment. Field trips.

Geology 571 - Active Tectonics, co-taught with H. Tobin.
Active Tectonics will be a combined seminar field course. Seminar topics will include aspects of tectonic geomorphology, paleoseismology, fault scarp morphology, techniques for dating timing of faulting, fault zone deformation in rocks vs. Sediments, trench mapping, fluid flow in faults, and the geometry of faults at depth -- implications for surface morphology. Seminars will be interspersed with classes spent in the field examining features discussed in class. Field trips will be designed so that students will acquire techniques useful to paleoseismic assessment and study of fault zones. Students will be responsible for presentation of current literature, brief (2-page) papers on presentation topics, preparation for classroom discussion, and a group project based on one of the field classes. Undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructors.

Geology 571-02 - Soil Geomorphology across the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
This is a graduate level course set up to consider the changes in soil landscapes as one moves from a low rainfall, tectonically inactive area to high rainfall and tectonically active areas. The course consisted of weekly seminar meetings covering the available literature on the topic and culminating in a 10 day field trip to New Zealand over the Christmas semester break. In the future this course will be offered on demand.

Geology 403/503 - Introduction to Soils.
Introduction to soil formation, pedogenic processes, and soil description and mapping techniques.

Geology 405/505 - Quaternary Field Methods and Sedimentology, co-taught with P. Mozley and D. Ulmer-Scholle.
A graduate seminar class, which can be structured to suite the needs and interests of participating students. Last semester the course focused on Paleoclimatology, climate change at different time scales and the type of record they leave in the landscape. Course included several invited speakers, student presentations and a field project.

Geology 409/509 - Soil Geomorphology.
Discussion of the use of soils to interpret the rate and timing of geomorphic processes and changing environmental parameters. Field trips.