Natural Hazards Despite increasing technological sophistication, modern civilization remains vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, extraterrestrial impacts, and other events. In this course we will consider the geologic mechanisms behind these hazards, the societal implications of these hazards, and approaches to reducing risk. Case studies will be combined with exploration of fundamental geologic concepts to provide students a foundation for understanding risk exposure and evaluating approaches to hazard management.

Modern Climate Seminar An advanced seminar for students with prior work in physical science of Earth's climate.  We will survey current climate change research by reading, discussing, and writing about scientific literature.  Assessment reports such as the US National Climate Assessment will form the foundation of our discussions.  At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to (1) read scientific papers, (2) identify key open questions in climate science research, and (3) relate scientific findings to common societal questions about climate action.  3hr seminar. (GEOL 0202, ECSC 0202, GEOL 0302 or ECSC 0302).

Climate Dynamics In this course we will explore the interconnected components of Earth’s climate system, the laws governing their dynamics, and their changes over time.  We will describe how we gather information about Earth’s climate and how we know it is changing.  In a weekly laboratory, we will analyse real data and apply simple numerical models to draw conclusions about phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, and more.  A major goal of this course is for students to gain confidence in quantitative methods for studying the Earth system.  Prereq: any 100-level course in ECSC. (ECSC majors or with instructor approval) Lecture/lab.

Glaciology In this course we will detail the fundamental role of ice in Earth's climate system, integrating insights from observation, theory, and computer modelling to form a cohesive understanding of glaciers and ice sheets.  We will study the unique physics that allow glaciers to flow and break, the power of ice in shaping the landscape, and the flow of water from atmosphere to glacier to ocean and back again.  Discussions will treat recent developments in glaciology, as well as the role of glaciology in society.  A final project will invite students to develop expertise on a glaciological question of their choosing. (MATH 0122 and two 200-level courses in ECSC/GEOL, or by instructor approval; MATH 0223 is recommended)

Dynamics of Earth's climate system In this course we will explore the interconnected components of Earth’s climate system, the laws governing their dynamics, and their changes over time.  We will describe how we gather information about Earth’s climate and how we know it is changing.  In a weekly laboratory, we will analyse real data and apply simple numerical models to draw conclusions about phenomena in the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, and more.  A major goal of this course is for students to gain confidence in quantitative methods for studying the Earth system.  Prereq: any 100-level course in GEOL. (GEOL majors or with instructor approval) Lecture/lab.

Glaciology In this course we will detail the fundamental role of ice in Earth's climate system, integrating insights from observation, theory, and computer modelling to form a cohesive understanding of glaciers and ice sheets.  We will study the unique physics that allow glaciers to flow and break, the power of ice in shaping the landscape, and the flow of water from atmosphere to glacier to ocean and back again.  Discussions will treat recent developments in glaciology, as well as the role of glaciology in society.  A final project will invite students to develop expertise on a glaciological question of their choosing.

Lizz Ultee

Reviews and ratings for Lizz Ultee at Middlebury College.Lizz Ultee teaches Natural Hazards, Modern Climate Seminar, Climate Dynamics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Lizz Ultee good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really liked this class! The problem sets were difficult but the TAs and Lizz were helpful and her grading was super fair. The lectures were relatively chill and the lab assignments were graded based on completion. Having a background in coding would be helpful but I didn't and was able to do relatively well in this class. Lizz is a great lecturer and would definitely take another course with them. 

This course had very little homework! We only annotations of weekly readings and 5 journal entries about natural disasters. Prof Ultee loves her job and is very organized and passionate. We made smart goals throughout the semester and checked in on them throughout. I would take again!

Very chill class that covered all the bases for intro ECSC class. Prof. Ultee was passionate about the material, graded easily, and workload was minimal, as long as you stay on top of your final project throughout the semester.