Geology - Physics/Mathematics
Description
Geophysics involves the application of physics and mathematics to the study of processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets, over short and long timescales. The AB degree requires a total of 14 courses, including 6 geoscience courses, 3 physics or engineering courses, and 3 math and applied math courses. The ScB degree requires a total of 20 courses, including 8 geoscience courses, 4 physics or engineering courses, and 4 math and applied courses; students can choose courses from both solid Earth geophysics and environmental geophysics. Geoscience courses emphasize an analytical and process-oriented approach, with hands-on experiences in labs and on field trips. Active and collaborative learning is encouraged, as is practice in written and oral communication. There are many opportunities for students to engage in research (typically in paid positions) during the academic year or in the summer, in areas such as analysis of seismic waves in subduction zones, theoretical modeling of convection in the Earth’s mantle, interpreting the cause of gravity anomalies in southern California, and remote sensing of warming in Narragansett Bay.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Understand the history of the earth and its development across geological time
- Study physical processes and phenomena, applying scientific principles to understand the Earth
- Learn to formulate a scientific problem
- Develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills
- Employ theoretical modeling to predict, or explain past, geologic events
Requirements
Click here for a list of the Geology - Physics/Mathematics concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.
Honors and Capstones
View Honors websiteAlmost all students undertake a capstone experience, which may include a summer field course, a senior seminar course, or an independent research course. ScB students are required to complete at least one semester of research; AB students do not have this requirement but many undertake a research course as an elective. Honors may be awarded to candidates for either an AB or ScB degree, if they have a GPA of 3.4 or higher in concentration courses and complete honors work in independent research (GEOL 1970). Honors research is supervised by one faculty member and the resulting thesis is read by two additional faculty. An oral presentation and a final paper, revised at least once, are required. Please consult the department’s website for a complete description of admission procedures and requirements.
Liberal Learning
This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:
- Collaborate fully
- Engage with your community
- Develop a facility with symbolic languages
- Experience scientific inquiry
- Work on your speaking and writing