The Major

Requirements

B.S. Degree in Earth Systems

The Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Systems degree is intended to provide students with a holistic understanding of the Earth’s major systems - geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere – and the important ways in which these systems are linked. Emphasis is placed on the ways these systems intersect with human activities. 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.

Earth Systems core courses (minimum 28 credits):

Choose one of:
     GEOL 101 – The Earth
     GEOL 103 – Intro Oceanography
     GEOL 105 – Dynamic Earth
     GEOG 110 – Global Environmental Change
GEOG 102 – Human Geography: Diversity, Globalization & Sustainability
GEOL 231 – Methods in Geosciences
GEOL 351 - Skills and Methods in Earth History Studies
GEOL 394LI – Earth History: Life, Climate, Environment^*
GEOG 354 – Climate Dynamics
GEOSCI 558 – Paleoclimatology
Choose one of:
     GEOL 415 – Intro to Geochemistry
     GEOSCI 519 – Environmental Geochemistry
     or other approved GEOSCI geochemistry courses
Choose one of:
     GEOG 426 – Remote Sensing
     GEOG 468 – GIS & Spatial Analysis
     GEOSCI 587 - Hydrogeology

* fulfills Integrative Experience requirement

Supporting Science courses (minimum 31 credits):

CHEM 111 – General Chemistry I
CHEM 112 – General Chemistry II
MATH 131 – Calculus I^**
MATH 132 – Calculus II^**
PHYSICS 151 – Intro Physics I^**
PHYSICS 152 – Intro Physics II^**
NATSCI 387 – Junior Year Writing
Choose one of:
     ENVSCI 101 – Intro to Environmental Science
     STOCKSCH 108 – Introductory Botany
     BIOL 108 - Biodiversity
     BIOL 110 – Intro Bio for Science Majors
     BIOL 151 – Intro Bio I

** MATH 127/128 and PHYSICS 131/132 also accepted; consult with your advisor

Electives (12 credits):

Choose from 300- and 400-level GEOLOGY courses, 500- and 600-level GEOSCI courses, and 300- to 600-level GEOGRAPHY courses in physical geography and GIST, or approved courses from other programs in the College of Natural Science.