Prof. Catalano teaches a number of courses at Washington University:
EPSc 140 Freshman Seminar: Geology and Human Health
This course explores the connections between human health and geological processes. Key concepts in geology are introduced as well as the pathways through which natural systems affect human health. A series of case studies will be presented, each describing a specific health hazard and its geological origin. The first set of studies will focus on human health effects associated with windborne exposure to harmful materials, including asbestos, dust and aerosols, and the products of coal combustion. The course will then use the topic of mercury, which is emitted into to atmosphere and then accumulates in aquatic systems, to transition to water and soil borne pathways of exposure. This will be followed by case studies exploring water availability and quality, arsenic in groundwater, with a special emphasis on widespread arsenic poisoning in South and Southeast Asia, lead in mining areas and urban soils, and radon and radioactive materials. Students will conduct team risk assessment projects as well as an individual project. 3 units
EPSc 413 Introduction to Soil Science
The physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within soil systems. The types of soils and how these relate to soil formation. The major components of soil, including soil water, minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. Soils in wetlands and arid regions. Cycling of nutrients and contaminants in soils. Soil quality, conservation, and sustainability. Includes 2 one-day field trips. 3 units
EPSc 444 Environmental Geochemistry
Introduction to the geochemistry of natural waters and the processes that alter their composition. Key principles of aqueous geochemistry are introduced and then used to describe the main controls on the chemistry of pristine and polluted soil, surface, and ground water environments. Topics covered include acids and bases, mineral solubility, carbonate chemistry, chemical speciation, redox reactions, adsorption and ion exchange, and the speciation, mobility, and toxicity of metals. 3 units
EPSc 500 Special Topics: Geochemical and Biogeochemical Reaction Modeling
Theory and application of geochemical and biogeochemical reaction modeling. Focus is on low-temperature and hydrothermal aqueous systems. Approaches to modeling aqueous processes and their application in diverse geologic, environmental, and planetary systems. 3 units
EPSc 511 Minerals in Aqueous Environments
Systematic mineralogy and crystal chemistry of common low-temperature minerals, including clays, zeolites, carbonates, oxides of aluminum, iron and manganese, and metal sulfides. Reactions between minerals and aqueous solutions, including growth and dissolution, surface complexation, and redox reactions. Role of these reactions in chemical weathering, contaminant fate, microbe-mineral interactions, and biomineralization. Focus will be on processes and mechanisms. Common analytical methods will be introduced throughout the course. 3 units
EPSc 595 Seminar: Professional Development in Earth and Planetary Sciences
One hour weekly discussion of topics important to a career in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Topics to be covered include working with a supervisor, ethics, the scientific literature, written and oral communication skills, scientific publishing, grant writing, teaching strategies and assessments, effective lecturing, academic and non-academic jobs, and time management. Intended for graduate students in their second or third year; more senior students are welcome to sit in on the seminar. 1 unit