Geophysics involves the application of physics and mathematics to the study of processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets, over short and long timescales. The AB degree requires a total of 14 courses, including 6 geoscience courses, 3 physics or engineering courses, and 3 math and applied math courses. The ScB degree requires a total of 20 courses, including 8 geoscience courses, 4 physics or engineering courses, and 4 math and applied courses; students can choose courses from both solid Earth geophysics and environmental geophysics. Geoscience courses emphasize an analytical and process-oriented approach, with hands-on experiences in labs and on field trips. Active and collaborative learning is encouraged, as is practice in written and oral communication. There are many opportunities for students to engage in research (typically in paid positions) during the academic year or in the summer, in areas such as analysis of seismic waves in subduction zones, theoretical modeling of convection in the Earth’s mantle, interpreting the cause of gravity anomalies in southern California, and remote sensing of warming in Narragansett Bay.
Standard program for the A.B. degree
Recommended for students seeking a liberal education and interested in applying physical and mathematical principles toward an understanding of the planets, Earth and the environment.
| Basic supporting science courses | ||
| Select one of the following Series: | 2 | |
| Foundations of Mechanics and Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics | ||
| Analytical Mechanics and Introduction to Relativity and Quantum Physics | ||
| Introduction to Engineering and Dynamics and Vibrations | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) | 1 |
| Concentration courses | ||
| GEOL 0220 | Physical Processes in Geology | 1 |
| GEOL 0230 | Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | 1 |
| GEOL 0250 | Computational Approaches to Modelling and Quantitative Analysis in Natural Sciences: An Introduction | 1 |
| GEOL 1610 | Solid Earth Geophysics | 1 |
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
| Continuum Physics of the Solid Earth (related to solid Earth dynamics) | ||
| Global Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Quantitative Elements of Physical Hydrology | ||
| Three courses in mathematics, including: | 3 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II | ||
| PHYS 0470 | Electricity and Magnetism | 1 |
| or ENGN 0510 | Electricity and Magnetism | |
| One upper-level geological sciences, mathematics or physics course with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
This program is recommended for students interested in graduate study and careers in geophysics and related fields.
| Basic supporting science courses | ||
| Select one of the following Series: | 2 | |
| Foundations of Mechanics and Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics | ||
| Analytical Mechanics and Introduction to Relativity and Quantum Physics | ||
| Introduction to Engineering and Dynamics and Vibrations | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) | 1 |
| Concentration courses | ||
| GEOL 0220 | Physical Processes in Geology | 1 |
| GEOL 0230 | Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | 1 |
| GEOL 0250 | Computational Approaches to Modelling and Quantitative Analysis in Natural Sciences: An Introduction | 1 |
| GEOL 1450 | Structural Geology | 1 |
| GEOL 1610 | Solid Earth Geophysics | 1 |
| GEOL 1620 | Continuum Physics of the Solid Earth | 1 |
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Global Tectonics | ||
| Earthquake Seismology | ||
| Physics of Planetary Evolution | ||
| Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | ||
| Global Environmental Remote Sensing | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Quantitative Elements of Physical Hydrology | ||
A field course | ||
| Select one of the following Series: | 2 | |
| Electricity and Magnetism and Advanced Classical Mechanics | ||
| Electricity and Magnetism and Advanced Engineering Mechanics | ||
| Four courses in mathematics, including: | 4 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II | ||
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II | ||
| Two additional courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. | 2 | |
| GEOL 1970 | Individual Study of Geologic Problems | 1 |
| Total Credits | 20 | |