IAP 2023

Credit Subjects on Campus

12.091/12.391 Practical High Performance Computing: Scaling Beyond your Laptop
Schedule: Tuesdays, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31; 1-4pm. 8-10 hours additional out of class time expected (1 hour/class of prep, 4-6 hours for project, presentation, and report)
Level: U/G
Prerequisites: Working knowledge of one programming/scripting language. Laptop for hands-on exercises. Participants will get further instruction on how to access MIT Supercloud once registered for the class.
Units: 1
Location: 31-115
Description: The focus of this class is to introduce the role of High Performance Computing (HPC, aka supercomputing) in research. We will discuss the fields where HPC is used and provide concrete examples where we describe the strategies used to scale applications to hundreds of processors. Students will learn when to scale from their laptops to HPC, what challenges that introduces, and how to address those challenges with efficient HPC workflows. The MIT SuperCloud will be used for hands-on examples using C/C++, Julia, Matlab, and/or Python. We will also demonstrate applications using other computing resources on campus, such as the Satori and Engaging clusters. Students should bring a research problem/application that they would like to scale.

This is a blended course with asynchronous and live virtual components. Much of the lecture will be available before class in pre-recorded short videos and class time will be spent on hands-on activities and practice. We encourage everyone to present on their work. Students taking the class for MIT credit are required to complete a short report in addition to the presentation. 
Instructors: L. Milechin, J. Mullen, C. Hill

12.310 An Introduction to Weather Forecasting
Schedule: M-F, Jan 23, 25, 27 & 30-Feb 3; 1:30-3pm
Level: U
Units: 6
Location: 54-1623
Description: Basic principles of synoptic meteorology and weather forecasting. Analysis of hourly weather data and numerical weather prediction models. Regular preparation of weather forecasts.
Instructor: L. Iliari

12.411 Astronomy Field Camp
Schedule: unscheduled subject, foreign travel-plan ahead.
Level: U
Units: 9
Location: Tenerife, Spain
Description: Individual research projects in planetary science and astrophysics, involving supervised work at Teide Observatory on the island of Tenerife, Spain. Projects may include observations made using observatory telescope facilities. Project topics and objectives vary from year to year. Written and oral reports required.
Note: International students planning to take this course should consult with the International Students Office (ISO) ahead of enrollment in this course. It is essential that International Students consult with the International Students Office (ISO) ahead of enrollment in this course.  Information about traveling back to the United States in student status is available at the ISO website at https://iso.mit.edu/visas-and-travel/entering-the-u-s/
Instructor: M. Person

12.S590 Special Seminar in Geophysics: The Energy Transition Challenge for Geosciences
Schedule: M-F, Jan 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13; 9:30am-12:30pm
Level: G
Location: 56-191
Description: Learn about the role of an earth scientist in the Energy Transition. What is involved in the development of a Carbon Capture & Storage project, a geothermal project, or an oil field?  This subject is set up as a team competition. As a team you will receive a subsurface map, a well profile and other data and we will guide you on a journey that leads to proposing a development plan for these underground energy resources! You will also learn a lot from each other as interim results and insights from all teams are discussed extensively. Participation in the ETC includes lectures covering the basics of subsurface resource development and 2-3 hours of teamwork per day when you put the learned material into practice. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and challenge as we deal with technical trade-offs, with the potential socio-economic dilemmas of developing an industrial scale subsurface energy resource as we embark on the energy transition. You will interpret maps, create production profiles, take on technical and non-technical challenges, and think about the feasibility and risks of subsurface energy projects from both technical, economic, and societal perspectives. You will place the contribution of these projects in the context of the Energy Transition order to get an appreciation of the scope of the tasks that lie ahead of all of us.
Instructor: R. Franssen and B. Hager

12.S597 Seminar on Teaching in Earth Science
Schedule: TTH 2:00-3:00pm
Level: G
Units: 1 [P/D/F]
Location: 4-457
Description: This course will introduce students to pedagogical concepts and strategies for effectively leading a classroom, designing a course, teaching equitably, giving feedback, and other subjects relevant to teaching Earth Science at the university level. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss and reflect upon these aspects of effective teaching and identify ways to effectively apply them in an Earth Science classroom. Class meetings will center on discussions of pedagogical literature and its relevance and utility to participants’ roles as TAs or instructors, either presently or in the future. This course will cover much of the same information as the Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program and other TLL offerings, but will additionally provide an EAPS-specific lens and space for discussion - students who have participated in these programs are encouraged to attend. The class is geared towards graduate students, but interested department members in other roles are welcome to participate.
Instructor: D. McGee

12.THG Graduate Thesis
Schedule: Thesis
Level: G
Description: Program of research leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member.
Instructor: EAPS Faculty

12.THU Undergraduate Thesis
Schedule: Thesis
Level: U
Description: Program of research leading to the writing of a thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member.
Instructor: EAPS Faculty

12.UR Undergraduate Research
Schedule: Arranged
Level: U
Description: Undergraduate research opportunities in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
Instructor: EAPS Faculty

12.URG Undergraduate Research
Schedule: Arranged
Level: U
Description: Undergraduate research opportunities in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
Instructor: EAPS Faculty