Geosciences is a highly interdisciplinary concentration employing principles from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies. Concentrators can study Earth and planetary interiors, including the formation of rocks and minerals, movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and the circulation of the planets’ core and mantle. Other areas emphasize surface processes, such as the movement and storage of water. This concentration is a good choice for students who seek a broad scientific understanding of the processes that shape the physical world around us.
Both AB and ScB degrees are offered; the ScB requires more (19) courses, including a research course. DEEPS provides a highly collaborative learning environment that emphasizes process-oriented, hands-on approaches in the classroom, in labs and on field trips. There are many opportunities for students to do research working with faculty, graduate students, and researchers. The degree builds students’ skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, data analysis and modeling, and applying systems approaches to problem solving, which prepare students for a wide variety of careers.
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 |
| 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) | ||
| Nine 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 |
| Select three of the following: | 3 | |
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
| Two additional upper level EEPS courses or an approved substitute such as a field course | 2 | |
| One additional upper level science or math course with approval from the concentration advisor. | 1 | |
| 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 | ||
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) | 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 |
| Three of the following: | 3 | |
| Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | ||
| Mineralogy | ||
| Petrology | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
| Three additional upper level EEPS courses or an approved substitute such as a field course | 3 | |
| Four upper level science or math courses with approval from the concentration advisor | 4 | |
| EEPS 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. |