Geological science involves the study of the Earth (and other planetary bodies), including their compositions and histories and the physical chemical and biological processes that shape them. The geosciences are highly interdisciplinary, thus students must take some supporting math and science courses. 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. Students may choose an AB (total of 13 courses) or an ScB (19 total courses, including one semester of research). There are many opportunities for students to do research work (typically in paid positions) during the academic year or in the summer, in areas such as deformation and properties of geological materials, deciphering the geologic history of some local rocks, or analysis of planetary images.
Standard program for the A.B. degree
This program provides a broad introduction to the geological sciences. Recommended for students seeking a liberal education and a general understanding of Earth processes and Earth history. Especially attractive for double concentrations, such as geology and economics as a career path to law or business, or geology and English as a career path to journalism or technical writing.
| Basic supporting science courses | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) | 1 |
| Select three of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Calculus, Part I | ||
| Introductory Calculus, Part II (or more advanced) | ||
| Foundations of Mechanics | ||
| Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics (or more advanced) | ||
| Introduction to Engineering | ||
| Dynamics and Vibrations (or more advanced) | ||
| The Foundation of Living Systems (or more advanced) | ||
| 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 |
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Fossil Record | ||
| Estuarine Oceanography | ||
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Global Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
A field course | ||
| Select two additional courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
This program is recommended for students interested in graduate study and careers in the geosciences and related fields.
| Basic supporting science courses | ||
| Select two courses in mathematics at the level of: | 2 | |
| Introductory Calculus, Part I | ||
| Introductory Calculus, Part II | ||
or another more advanced math or statistics course | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) | 1 |
| Select one of the following Series: | 2 | |
| Foundations of Mechanics and Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics (or more advanced) 1 | ||
| Introduction to Engineering and Dynamics and Vibrations (or more advanced) | ||
| 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 |
| GEOL 0310 | Fossil Record | 1 |
| GEOL 1240 | Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | 1 |
| GEOL 1410 | Mineralogy | 1 |
| GEOL 1420 | Petrology | 1 |
| GEOL 1450 | Structural Geology | 1 |
| A field course | 1 | |
| Select four courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. | 4 | |
| GEOL 1970 | Individual Study of Geologic Problems (Senior Research Thesis) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
| 1 | Advanced placement may be substituted for the first semester of physics. |