What is the difference between the Geosciences B.S. and the Earth, Water, and Climate Sciences B.S.?
Both majors are designed for students who seek post-graduate employment as a professional geoscientist or preparation for graduate study in Geosciences. There are differences in requirements and emphases, as outlined in the course catalog (and in some instances, explained below). Both degrees provide considerable flexibility; we encourage you to discuss which option best fits your interests with an advisor or faculty member.
What is the sequence for different Math courses?
See the ; you may need to take a math placement test to determine which level math course you should initially enroll in. Math 171 (Calculus I) is required for the Geosciences B.S., and Math 171 and 172 (Calculus I and II) are required for the Earth, Water, and Climate Sciences B.S. (STAT 216 may be substituted for M 172). Two semesters of calculus are required for some federal jobs (e.g., U.S. Forest Service Hydrologist).
What Physics sequence should I take?
Physics 205N/206N and 207N/208N vs. 215N/216N and 217N/218N The 215-217 series is calculus based, the 205-207 series is algebra based. Take the 215-217 series if you plan to take additional physics courses or go to graduate school. Some government agency jobs and graduate schools require calculus-based physics. Both 205 and 207 generally are offered every semester, whereas 215 (Physics with Calculus I) normally is offered only in the fall and 217 (Physics with Calculus II) tends to be offered only in the spring. The calculus-based series therefore requires a bit more schedule planning. The physics laboratories, 206N and 208N or 216N and 218N, are required for either sequence.
What Chemistry sequence should I take?
Either Chemistry 121N, or CHMY 141N and 142N are required for the Geosciences B.S., or the Earth, Water and Climate Sciences B.S. See the course catalog for differences between these classes and their prerequisities, and discuss with an advisor which one is best for you.
How can I fulfill my Computer Science requirements?
This requirement is typically filled by courses offered in the computer science department. CSCI 150 (Introduction to Computer Science) is required for the EWCS B.S. and the Geosciences B.S. Either GPHY 284 Intro to GIS and Cartography, or STAT 216 Introduction to Statistics, are also required for the Geosciences B.S. Substitutions for this requirement must be approved in writing by a Department Advisor.
What Upper Division Writing course should I take?
To satisfy General Education Requirements (GER) you must take an upper division writing course. The Geosciences degrees do not require that you take a specific course – you are allowed to take any course on campus that satisfies the upper-division writing requirement. We recommend that you take Global Water Crises (ERTH 406). Otherwise, we recommend you take a course that is relevant to science; course offerings change from semester to semester. A senior thesis also satisfies the upper-division writing requirement.
What is the difference between a Senior Thesis and an Independent Study?
An independent study is a self-teaching experience focused on a particular topic. You work with a professor to design the learning experience. For example, let’s say you decide that you are really interested in lahars (volcanic debris flows) but this topic is only covered briefly in our courses. You could work with a professor to design a learning experience focused on lahars. You might read papers and advanced text books about the topic and then compile a detailed set of notes and/or write a summary paper. These can usually be done in one semester.
A senior thesis is an original research project. You work with a professor to design the research. You might collected original data or perform an original analysis of an existing data set. You then make an original interpretation of the data and your analysis. The write-up is a lengthy and detailed thesis where you present the methods, results, interpretations and conclusions. This usually takes two semesters – one semester to collect and analyze data and one semester to write the thesis.
How do I conduct a Senior Thesis (GEO 499)?
You approach a professor about working together on a project (normally at least one year before you expect to graduate). You need to find a match between your interests, skills and course preparation, and their research program. For example, if you want to work with a hydrologist then you should probably have taken courses in hydrology, math and programming because the nature of their research will require that you have this training.
You can register for Geo 499 for both fall and spring semesters. A senior thesis is typically 3 credits of GEO 499 in the fall and 3 in the spring. This allows one semester for data collection and processing and one semester for writing. The manner in which senior thesis grades are determined is up to you and your advisor. You can receive separate grades for each semester, or you can carry over your project to the second semester and one grade can be assigned at the end of the spring semester for both semesters of work.
How many credits is a senior thesis?
Typically 3 in the fall and 3 in the spring. One semester for data collection and processing and one semester for writing.
How are senior thesis grades determined?
This is up to you and your advisor. You can receive separate grades for each semester, or you can carryover your project to the second semester and one grade can be assigned at the end of the spring semester for both semesters of work.
Which Geosciences core courses are offered in Fall and/or Spring?
ERTH 101N, 103N – every Fall & Spring semester
GEO 201 – every Fall semester
GEO 202– every Spring semester
If I got a “D” in a Geosciences course does it count toward my degree?
No, it does not. In all courses required for the major you must receive a grade of C- or higher.
How should I sequence the core (100-200 level) Geosciences courses?
Take ERTH 101N and 103N first. You can sequence GEO 201 and 202 however you wish.