GEOPH-BS - Geophysics (BS)

The mission of the undergraduate program in Geophysics is to expose students to a broad spectrum of geophysics, including resource exploration, environmental geophysics, seismology, and tectonics. Students in the major obtain a solid foundation in the essentials of mathematics, physics, and geology, and build upon that foundation with advanced course work in geophysics to develop the in-depth knowledge they need to pursue advanced graduate study and professional careers in government or the private sector.

A primary focus of the Geophysics major, both as a primary and secondary major, is the senior research project. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to complete an original research paper that can result in published literature. For students pursuing Geophysics as a secondary major, the department encourages a multidisciplinary approach involving the application of broad knowledge to achieve a better understanding of the Earth and its future. Declared majors must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.

The courses below are required for the B.S. degree in Geophysics.  A written report on original research (GEOPHYS 197) or an honors thesis (GEOPHYS 198) is also required through participation in GEOPHYS 196 Undergraduate Research in Geophysics and GEOPHYS 199 Senior Seminar: Issues in Earth Sciences in Autumn Quarter of the senior year.

Refer to University policy on Transfer Credit

The Geophysics Department expects its undergraduate majors to demonstrate certain learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used to evaluate students’ progress, as well as the undergraduate program itself. Students are expected to:

1. demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the physical processes governing the structure and evolution of Earth and planetary systems, including geophysical fluids, environmental hazards, and energy and freshwater resources.

2. demonstrate the ability to quantitatively describe the behavior of natural systems and the principles of geophysical measurements with physics-based mathematical models.

3. demonstrate the ability to make observations using a variety of geophysical instruments and laboratory experiments and to reduce, model, and interpret their data and uncertainties.

4. demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate original scientific results as was as evaluate the published and presented results of others.