The Geosciences major explores the breadth and depth of the earth sciences. Our courses are divided into three broad subject areas: Oceans and Climate, Sediments and Life, and Solid Earth. Geos majors are required to fill distribution requirements not just among upper and lower division courses, but also among the three subject areas. Specific course requirements can be found here.
In the course of completing the major, students will be expected to:
- Observe and measure the natural environment.
- Understand the major processes that shape the planet.
- Understand the role of time in shaping Earth systems, on scales from billions of years to seconds.
- Trace connections between different Earth system components, and understand how chemistry, physics and biology are intertwined with the geosciences.
- Learn and practice good habits of data collection and analysis.
- Learn to formulate testable hypotheses.
- Learn to solve problems using quantitative methods and logical reasoning.
- Learn modern analytical methods and equipment.
- Participate effectively in collaborative problem solving
- Present formal written and oral work.
- Use scientific literature to interpret and discuss research.