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The purpose of the Earth Systems degree is to provide students with a holistic understanding of the Earth’s geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere, as well as the impact of human activities on these systems. The degree is suitable for students interested in the interface of earth science and related fields, and in issues related to the long-term management and sustainability of the planet.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree

A. Supporting Sciences
(8 courses listed here or their approved equivalents; 29-32 credits)
1. Two courses in Biology
Select from: BIOLOGY 108, 110, 280, ENVIRSCI 101, GEOL 107, 190BH, STOCKSCH 106, 108, 115.
2. Two courses in Calculus: MATH 127-128 or 131-132
3. Two courses in Physics: PHYSICS 131-132 or 151-152
4. Two courses in General Chemistry: CHEM 111-112

B. Earth Systems Core Courses
(8 courses listed here or their approved equivalents; 28-29 credits)
1. One of the following four introductory Geoscience courses:
GEOG 100* Global Environmental Change
GEOL 101 The Earth (includes the lab component Experiencing Geology)
GEOL 103* Introductory Oceanography
GEOL 105* Dynamic Earth

*Students not taking GEOL 101 must also enroll in GEOL 131 Experiencing Geology (1 Credit)

2. 102 The Human Landscape
3. 201 History of the Earth
4. 231 Introduction to Field Methods
5. 354 Climatology
6. One of the following:
420 Political Ecology
458 Climate Change
7. One of the following:
415 Introduction to Geochemistry
597I Isotope Geochemistry
517 Sedimentary Geochemistry
519 Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
615 Organic and Biogeochemistry
8. Select one of the following courses:
591C Climate Modeling
587 Hydrogeology
426 Remote Sensing
468 GIS and Spatial Analysis
595D Physical Oceanography (4 Credits)

C. Earth Systems Electives (12 credits)
Students should select at least 12 credits of additional upper-division (300 and higher) courses in Geosciences (possibly including a second course from B-6, B-7, and B-8 above), Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Microbiology, Natural Resources Conservation, Physics, Plant and Soil Sciences, Political Science, Resource Economics, Resource Planning, Statistics, and Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation. Courses should broaden knowledge in one or more areas of Earth Systems and must be selected in consultation with an adviser.