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.
| Four basic supporting science courses | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| Three courses to build quantitative skills: | 3 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I (or higher) | ||
| Statistical Analysis of Biological Data | ||
| Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction (or higher) | ||
| Dynamics and Vibrations (or higher) | ||
| Single Variable Calculus, Part I (or higher) | ||
| Foundations of Mechanics (or higher) | ||
| Ten Concentration courses | ||
| EEPS 0220 | Understanding Earth and Environmental Processes | 1 |
| EEPS 0230 | Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | 1 |
| EEPS 0240 | Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | 1 |
| Three additional chemistry courses such as: | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Two courses from the following: | 2 | |
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Two additional upper-level EEPS courses or substitutes with approval from the 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: | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| Four courses to build quantitative skills: | 4 | |
| Methods of Applied Mathematics I (or higher) | ||
| Statistical Analysis of Biological Data | ||
| Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction (or higher) | ||
| Dynamics and Vibrations (or higher) | ||
| Single Variable Calculus, Part I (or higher) | ||
| Foundations of Mechanics (or higher) | ||
| Fourteen Concentration Courses | ||
| EEPS 0220 | Understanding Earth and Environmental Processes | 1 |
| EEPS 0230 | Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes | 1 |
| EEPS 0240 | Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet | 1 |
| EEPS 1370 | Environmental Geochemistry | 1 |
| EEPS 1410 | Mineralogy | 1 |
| Three additional chemistry courses such as: | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Biochemistry | ||
| Two upper level courses from EEPS | 2 | |
| Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles | ||
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Environmental Stable Isotopes | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Three additional upper-level science or math courses with approval from the concentration advisor | 3 | |
| EEPS 1970 | Individual Study of Geologic Problems | 1 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
| 1 | Advanced placement may be substituted for the first semester of physics. |