Geochemistry involves two different emphases. Low-temperature geochemistry involves study of chemical and biochemical processes on and near Earth’s surface, including land, oceans and freshwater bodies, and how the geochemical record reflects climate conditions. High-temperature geochemistry includes study of formation and evolution of the Earth and other planets, magma formation and properties, volcanic activity, and metamorphism. The AB degree requires a total of 14 courses, including 5 geoscience courses and 4 chemistry courses, and a few supporting math and physics courses. The ScB degree requires a total of 20 courses, including 7 geoscience courses and 4 chemistry courses, either with an organic or an inorganic focus, plus some supporting math and physics courses and one research course. Geoscience courses emphasize a process-oriented approach, with hands-on experiences in labs and on field trips. There is a strong emphasis on active and collaborative learning, and on practice in communication. There are many opportunities for students to do research work for pay during the academic year or in the summer, in areas such as experimental studies of magma formation, and analyzing lunar rock samples for water content.
Standard program for the A.B. degree
Recommended for students seeking a liberal education and interested in applying physical and chemical principles toward an understanding of Earth history, Earth processes, and environmental and resource issues.
| Basic supporting science courses | ||
| Select two courses in mathematics at the level of: | 2 | |
| Introductory Calculus, Part I (or more advanced) | ||
| Introductory Calculus, Part II (or more advanced) | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| PHYS 0050 | Foundations of Mechanics (or a more advanced course, or advanced placement.) | 1 |
| or ENGN 0030 | Introduction to Engineering | |
| Concentration courses | ||
| GEOL 0220 | Physical Processes in Geology | 1 |
| GEOL 0230 | Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | 1 |
| GEOL 0240 | Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | 1 |
| Three additional chemistry courses | 3 | |
| Select one of the following Series: | 2 | |
| Mineralogy and Petrology | ||
| Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles and Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Two additional courses from upper level geological sciences, math, or supporting sciences with approval from the department concentration advisor. | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
This program is recommended for students interested in graduate study and careers in geochemistry and related fields.
| Basic Supporting Science Courses: | ||
| Select two courses in mathematics at the level of: | 2 | |
| Introductory Calculus, Part I (or more advanced) | ||
| Introductory Calculus, Part II (or more advanced) | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| Select one of the following series: | 2 | |
| Foundations of Mechanics and Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics 1 | ||
| Introduction to Engineering | ||
or a more advanced course | ||
| Concentration Courses: | ||
| Either the geochemistry/inorganic option or the geochemistry/organic option: | 10 | |
Geochemistry/Inorganic Option: | ||
| Physical Processes in Geology | ||
| Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | ||
| Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | ||
| Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles | ||
or GEOL 1370 | Environmental Geochemistry | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
Plus one from: | ||
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Global Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
Three from: | ||
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
Geochemistry/Organic Option: | ||
| Physical Processes in Geology | ||
| Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | ||
| Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | ||
| Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Mineralogy | ||
Plus one from: | ||
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Global Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Environmental Stable Isotopes | ||
Three Chemistry courses: | ||
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry | ||
Plus one additional chemistry course | ||
| Four additional courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval of the departmental concentration advisor | 4 | |
| GEOL 1970 | Individual Study of Geologic Problems | 1 |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
| 1 | Advanced placement may be substituted for the first semester of physics. |