Elizabeth A. Johnson
James Madison University
Department of Geology and Environmental Science

Teaching

GEOL300: Introduction to Petrology
Igneous and metamorphic processes explained using crystallization theory, phase diagrams, thermodynamics and geochemistry; laboratory study of rocks, their chemical and mineralogical signatures, and their geologic origins.

GEOL390: Laboratory Methods in Geology
An elective course for science majors. A study of the basic theories and techniques of laboratory methods and instrumentation. Implementation and application of techniques to geological problems.

GSCI104: Geology of Skyline Drive
A one-credit lab and field course which explores the geologic story of Skyline Drive, VA. We observe rock textures, identify rock types, faults, and folds, and use these observations to interpret the geologic history of the park with the aid of geologic maps and cross-sections.
I also taught Geology of Skyline Drive as a Lifelong Learning Institute community course in 2009 and 2011.

GEOL110: Physical Geology and Physical Geology Lab
A systematic study of earth materials including the internal and external processes that affect earth structure and landforms. Topics include the genesis/properties of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and the agents of change that drive surface processes and land-form development.

GGEOL115: Earth Systems and Climate Change
This course explores cycles, trends, and abrupt events in the Earth system.  Analyses of the geologic record and global climate models provide perspective for understanding paleoclimate and future climate changes, including global warming.  Current hypotheses for causes of climate change are evaluated including plate tectonics, orbital cyclicity, variations in the sun's strength, and human activities.  The two reoccuring questions of this course are:  What are Earth's climate stories? and How do we know?

Other Courses Taught

JMU:

GGEOL102: Environment: Earth
A study of geological processes causing global change and their impact on human thought. The relationship between some geological processes and life on the Earth is also considered.

GSCI101: Physics, Chemistry, and the Human Experience
A survey of the fundamental concepts, principles and ideas of chemistry and physics. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the development of the principles and their application in understanding the world around us.

GEOL398: Special Topics: Volcanoes
This course explores the geology, chemistry, and physics of volcanoes on Earth… and beyond.

GEOL398: Special Topics: Geophysics and Geochemistry of Hawaii from Top to Bottom
How did the Hawaiian Islands form in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Why are there volcanic eruptions (past and present) on these islands? This course investigates these questions using geophysical and geochemical data.

GEOL399: JMU Geology Field Course in Ireland
The JMU Geology Field Course is based in the Irish village of Clonbur in County Galway, western Ireland. This is approximately 40 kilometers from Galway. During the 6-week course students will visit spectacular natural landscapes and geologic features in Counties Galway, Mayo and Clare as well as Northern Ireland. The final week we transfer to the town of Doolin in the karst limestone of the Burren, one of Europe's unique natural environments. For more information see the field course web site.

UCLA:

ESS103A Igneous Petrology

ESS5 Environmental Geology of Los Angeles

Caltech (Teaching Assistant):

Ge114 Mineralogy

Ge140a: Introduction to Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Ge214: Spectroscopy of Minerals

Ge1: Earth and Environment

Check out the JMU Countertop Database!