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GS-MIN - Geological Sciences (Minor)
Overview
Program Overview
Program Overview
The purpose of the undergraduate program in Geological Sciences is to provide students with a broad background in the fundamentals of the Earth and planetary sciences and the quantitative, analytical, and communications skills necessary to conduct research and think critically about questions involving the Earth and other planets.
Geological Sciences are heavily dependent on the other sciences and that any undergraduate in the Geological Sciences should be looking to supplement their major course work with classes in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Those outside courses are appropriate depending on the background, goals, and interests of the individual student and can be explored with the faculty advisor.
Program Learning Outcomes
The department expects undergraduate majors in the program to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the department's undergraduate program. Students are expected to develop and demonstrate:
An understanding of fundamental concepts in Earth and planetary science.
The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret geological and environmental data using a variety of techniques to test hypotheses.
The ability to address real geological and/or environmental problems in the field.
The ability to communicate scientific knowledge orally, visually, and in writing.
Free Form Requisites
The minor in GS consists of a set of foundational courses (19 units) and three elective courses (9-14 units), totaling 28-33 units. A wide variety of courses may be used to satisfy these elective requirements. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Degree Requirements
Course List | ||
Units | ||
|---|---|---|
Geological and Planetary Sciences Foundation | 19 | |
Students are required to take all of the following: | ||
Introduction to Geology | 5 | |
Chemistry of the Earth and Planets | 3 | |
GEOLSCI 3 | (Earth and Planetary Processes) | 3 |
Coevolution of Earth and Life | 4 | |
Data Science for Geoscience | 3 | |
Electives | 9-14 | |
Students must take a minimum of 9 additional units drawn primarily from the Breadth in the Discipline list in the GS major; a majority of units must be from classes within the GS department. | ||
To gain an understanding of the breadth of subject areas within the geological sciences, students are required to take three of the following courses (9-14 units). At least two of these courses must be from the “Geological Sciences” list below, while one may be from the “Supporting Disciplines” list. | ||
Geological Sciences | ||
Diamonds | ||
Moving and Shaking in the Bay Area | ||
Introduction to Field Methods | ||
Sediments: The Book of Earth's History | ||
Journey to the Center of the Earth | ||
Our Dynamic West | ||
Geomorphology | ||
Shaping the Future of the Bay Area | ||
Formation and Dynamics of Planets | ||
Planetary Surface Processes: Shaping the Landscape of the Solar System | ||
GEOLSCI TBD | (Planetary Interiors) | |
Evolution of Marine Ecosystems | ||
Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems | ||
Evolution of Earth Systems | ||
Sedimentary Geochemistry and Analysis | ||
Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry | ||
Igneous Processes | ||
Supporting Disciplines | ||
Aquatic Chemistry and Biology | ||
Earth Sciences of the Hawaiian Islands | ||
Marine Chemistry | ||
Science of Soils | ||
Geomicrobiology | ||
Physical Hydrogeology | ||
Soil and Water Chemistry | ||
Introduction to the Foundations of Contemporary Geophysics | ||
Ice, Water, Fire | ||
Introductory Seismology | ||
Geodynamics: Our Dynamic Earth | ||
Reflection Seismology | ||
Near-Surface Geophysics: Imaging Groundwater Systems | ||
Additional Field Opportunities (optional) | ||
Living on the Edge | ||
Sedimentary Geochemistry Field Trip | ||
Coral Reef Ecosystems | ||
Total Units | 28-33 | |