;

Earth Sciences B.S.

Information and Policies

Introduction

The bachelor of science (B.S.) program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in Earth and planetary sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to providing comprehensive preparation in the basic physical sciences, and particular breadth and depth in Earth and planetary sciences, the curriculum is structured to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace.

The core of the major includes calculus, physics, chemistry, and a group of comprehensive Earth and planetary sciences courses. For the standard B.S., students then select at least six additional courses from a diverse list of upper-division electives, with at least two that involve significant laboratory or field data acquisition and analysis. These electives, often in combination with additional upper-division courses from this and related departments, provide the student with expertise in one or more subdisciplines within Earth sciences.

Elective distributions can be designed to emphasize earthquake and faulting studies, Earth surface processes, Earth system sciences, geologic hazards, geology, crustal and deep-Earth geophysics, marine geophysics, and water resources. Four formal concentrations, all with specific course requirements and leading to an Earth and planetary sciences B.S., are available: geology, geophysics, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences. A senior comprehensive experience (senior thesis, geologic field camp, or intensive capstone course) is required of all majors.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.S. in Earth and planetary sciences (all concentrations) should be able to:

  1. understand the processes governing the properties and evolution of Earth's interior and surface;
  2. identify rocks and minerals, and describe their connection to geologic processes;
  3. utilize algebraic mathematical tools to quantitatively address questions in the geosciences; and
  4. write in a clear, organized, and logical fashion using disciplinary standards for reporting and citation.

Academic Advising for the Program

Academic advising is available at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) undergraduate advising office located in the Earth and Marine Sciences Building, and via email at epsadvising@ucsc.edu. The EPS undergraduate web pages contain information on all aspects of major advising including: academic planning, upper- and lower-division course descriptions, enrichment opportunities in the major like study abroad and undergraduate research, and how to make an appointment with an adviser. Each student should become familiar with the information posted on the website; for further assistance, contact the EPS undergraduate adviser at epsadvising@ucsc.edu. Transfer students should consult Getting Started in the Major: Transfer Students for more detailed information about academic advising.

Getting Started in the Major: Frosh

This major is not highly sequential or course intensive. Although it is advisable to begin taking courses toward the major in the first year, it is not required. Students begin with general chemistry and mathematics, and an introductory course in physical geology.  

Math placement is required for one or more of the foundational courses for this major. For more information, please review the Math Placement website.

Courses completed at a community college or four year university and/or advanced placement (AP) course equivalencies may be used to fulfill prerequisites. 

Every proposed Earth science student will receive emails about advising and first quarter enrollment during the summer. Students with further questions about what to enroll in should refer to the Freshmen Enrollment Guide or email the Earth and Planetary Sciences undergraduate adviser at epsadvising@ucsc.edu.

Transfer Information and Policy

Transfer Admission Screening Policy

The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department welcomes applications from transfer students who are prepared to enter as Earth sciences majors. Students should reference assist.org to determine course equivalencies.

No major preparation courses are required to transfer; however, the following courses or their equivalents are recommended to ensure timely graduation.

CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

or these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

Plus all of the following courses:
PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize recommended major preparation, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to University of California, Santa Cruz, general education requirements as time allows.

Transfer students planning on attending UC Santa Cruz to pursue an Earth and planetary sciences major should contact the undergraduate adviser for transfer preparation information and reference assist.org to determine which courses are equivalent to these courses. Having completed as much of this coursework as possible prior to transferring allows students greater flexibility in scheduling and completing their major.

Getting Started in the Major: Transfer Students

Once you have submitted your intent to register at UC Santa Cruz, here is a step-by-step guide to transferring your coursework and enrolling:

  1. Confirm you are a proposed Earth sciences major. If you are not sure of your status, log on to your MyUCSC portal to view your proposed major. If your major is proposed Earth sciences you are all set. If the proposed major listed is not Earth sciences, you will need to meet with the adviser for Earth sciences.
  2. Once your courses have been articulated, you will receive an email from our office. This email will include suggestions for summer or fall enrollment, and invite you to make an appointment to talk with the EPS major adviser.
  3. Make an appointment to talk to an adviser. Your confirmation email will include instructions for scheduling an advising appointment. Appointments are available either over Zoom or in person.
  4. Participate in Transfer Orientation and Welcome Week. Transfer Orientation provides instructions on how to transfer your coursework to UC Santa Cruz, the advising and support available, and how to enroll. Our online transfer orientation provides all the critical information you need to transition to UCSC and begin your major coursework.
    The department also hosts a transfer student welcome in the fall that provides new transfer students an opportunity to meet other transfer students, familiarize themselves with the campus and the available resources. Welcome Week includes presentations on the Earth sciences majors, including an overview of the field courses offered and an introduction on how to get involved in undergraduate research.
  5. Declaring the Earth Sciences major. In order to declare the Earth sciences major transfer students must complete EART 5/EART 5L, or EART 10/EART 10L or EART 20/EART 20L or an approved equivalent course  (with a C or better) and have a signed and approved academic plan on file by the campus declaration deadline.

Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process

Major Qualification

To qualify for the Earth sciences B.S. (including all concentrations within the major), a student must complete (with a minimum grade of C) one of the following introductory courses and associated lab in physical geology:

Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Transfer students may take an approved substitution for one of the above course combinations and should consult assist.org for equivalencies. Transfer students should also review the Transfer and Information Policy section for information about major qualifications.

Appeal Process

If a student completes major qualification courses but does not meet the major qualification criteria,  and appeals, the department may accept or reject the appeal or place conditions on the student that will be resolved within at most one more enrolled quarter.

Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major may appeal by submitting a letter to the Earth and Planetary Sciences advisor within 15 days from the date the notification was sent. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student and their affiliated college of the decision.

How to Declare a Major

Students who wish to declare the Earth science major start the process by scheduling an appointment with the department staff adviser to create an academic plan. Once academic planning has been completed students submit the online major declaration petition to begin the major declaration process. Students are expected to complete the academic planning and online petition by the campus declaration deadline.

Letter Grade Policy

All courses used to satisfy requirements for any of the Earth and planetary science majors must be taken for a letter grade with the exception of the following courses, which may be taken Pass/No Pass: EART 195 Senior Thesis, EART 198 Internship, EART 199 Tutorial. Combined majors (Earth sciences/anthropology and Earth sciences/environmental studies) are currently exempt from this policy.

Course Substitution Policy

Relevant courses taken at UC Santa Cruz or other institutions may be substituted for degree requirements by approved petition. Please see the undergraduate adviser for the substitution petition form and more information about this process.

Honors

Honors in the major (all concentrations) and in the combined major with anthropology are determined by a review of grades (typically 3.50 or above) at the time a student applies for graduation. A faculty committee makes the decision based on the quality of all coursework, but especially in the courses required for the major. Extra coursework or independent study as well as more intensive or rigorous coursework and the quality of a capstone project may also be taken into consideration. Honors in the combined major with environmental studies are evaluated by the Environmental Studies Department. Highest honors may also be awarded in exceptional cases when a student’s overall grade point average (GPA) is above 3.75 and performance in the senior capstone requirement is equally outstanding. The department reserves the right to withhold honors and highest honors based on other criteria, such as an incident of academic dishonesty.

Honors on the senior thesis are determined independently of major honors, and must be approved by two faculty readers.

Standard Earth Sciences Major

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

or these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 22Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

EART 111Mathematics in the Earth Sciences

5

EART 125Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

5

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

Students that have completed a prior course in programming or statistics may petition for equivalency. 

Plus all of the following courses:
PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
EART 110AEvolution of the Earth

7

EART 110BEarth as a Chemical System

5

EART 110MEarth as a Chemical System Laboratory

2

EART 110CThe Dynamic Earth

5

EART 110NThe Dynamic Earth Laboratory

2

Two field/laboratory/data analysis

Lecture/lab combinations count as one course. The following courses satisfy this requirement:

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 109LField Geology Laboratory

2

EART 116Hydrology

5

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 120LSedimentology and Stratigraphy Laboratory

2

EART 125Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

5

EART 130Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

5

EART 130LIgneous and Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory

2

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 140LGeomorphology Laboratory

2

EART 142Engineering Geology for Environmental Scientists

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 150LStructural Geology Laboratory

2

EART 189AGeographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

Electives

At least four additional upper-division elective courses from Earth sciences or ocean sciences offerings must be completed. Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests.

EART 196B and EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

No more than one quarter of EART 199 may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Lecture/lab combinations count as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) general education requirement. Students in the Earth Sciences B.S. major must complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and planetary sciences advisors for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 102Marine Geology

5

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Comprehensive Requirement

All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement. The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an advisor if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed comprehensive requirement activity. Enrollment in the senior comprehensive is by petition or application.

Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot be used to satisfy the upper-division elective requirement or the field/laboratory/data analysis requirement.

To satisfy the comprehensive requirement, each student in these majors must complete one of the following options:

Satisfactory completion of Summer Field
EART 189AGeographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis

A senior thesis must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after an agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it. It is recommended that students allocate three quarters for the thesis process.

Students may take EART 199, Independent Study, as part of performing the research for their senior thesis. It is required that each student enroll in and pass EART 195: Senior Thesis, in the academic quarter during which they complete their thesis.

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Satisfactory completion of one of the following capstone course offerings:
EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191BPlanetary Capstone

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

Capstone course offerings vary year to year. If you are interested in completing a capstone course please contact the Earth sciences adviser.

Other Options

Other options such as external field research experiences or internships may be suitable by permission of the faculty adviser.

Please meet with an adviser if you have an idea to propose.

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Students planning a professional career in the Earth and planetary sciences should take more than the minimum number of courses required for the major if possible. Four-year students have ample flexibility to take additional electives if they begin with the required courses in their second year. Junior transfers also have flexibility if they have taken most of their preparatory courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics before entry. Further advice can be obtained from the undergraduate adviser and from faculty members.

Sample Four-Year Planner

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (frosh) CHEM 1A MATH 11A or MATH 19A MATH 11B 
or MATH 19B
  CHEM 1B & CHEM 1M CHEM 1C & CHEM 1N
  EART 20 & EART 20L
 
2nd (soph) EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M* PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
MATH 23A or EART 111 PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L  
     
3rd (junior) EART elective EART elective EART 110C & EART 110N
    EART elective
     
4th (senior) EART elective EART elective EART 189A*
or senior thesis
(sr thesis only)
EART 199
(sr thesis only)
EART 199
(EART 195)†
EART elective    

In addition to the specific courses shown in these planners, a student must complete courses satisfying the CC, ER, IM, SR, and TA general education requirements.

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.

Sample Transfer (Two-Year) Planner

This planner assumes that students have completed all general education courses and all lower-division requirements, other than PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math/programming/statistics.

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (junior) EART 111 PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M EART 110C & EART 110N
     
2nd (senior) EART elective EART elective EART elective
EART elective EART elective EART elective
(Sr thesis only)
EART 199
(Sr thesis only) 
EART 199
EART 189A
or senior thesis
(EART 195)†

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.

Geology Concentration

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

or these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

Plus all of the following courses:
PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 109LField Geology Laboratory

2

EART 110AEvolution of the Earth

7

EART 110BEarth as a Chemical System

5

EART 110MEarth as a Chemical System Laboratory

2

EART 110CThe Dynamic Earth

5

EART 110NThe Dynamic Earth Laboratory

2

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 120LSedimentology and Stratigraphy Laboratory

2

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 150LStructural Geology Laboratory

2

Geology Elective: One of the following:

Where the lab course follows a lecture course the pair of courses counts as a single course.

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 100LVertebrate Paleontology Laboratory

2

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 101LInvertebrate Paleobiology Laboratory

1

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 140LGeomorphology Laboratory

2

EART 142Engineering Geology for Environmental Scientists

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

Electives

At least two additional upper-division elective courses (5+ credits each) from Earth sciences or ocean sciences offerings must be completed. Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests.

EART 196B and EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

No more than one quarter of EART 199 may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Lecture/lab combinations count as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) general education requirement. Students in the Earth Sciences B.S. major must complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and planetary sciences advisers for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 102Marine Geology

5

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Comprehensive Requirement

All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement.

The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career and to provide the instructional hours in the field needed to prepare students for the California professional geologist licensing requirements. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an advisor if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed comprehensive requirement activity. Enrollment in the senior comprehensive is by petition or application.

Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.

To do so, each student in the geology concentration must complete:

Satisfactory completion of Summer Field
EART 189AGeographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Students planning a professional career in the Earth and planetary sciences should take more than the minimum number of courses required for the major if possible. Four-year students have ample flexibility to take additional electives if they begin with the required courses in their second year. Junior transfers also have flexibility if they have taken most of their preparatory courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics before entry. Further advice can be obtained from the undergraduate adviser and from faculty members.

Sample Four-Year Planner

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (frosh) CHEM 1A MATH 11A or MATH 19A CHEM 1C & CHEM 1N
EART 5 & EART 5L CHEM 1B & CHEM 1M MATH 11B or MATH 19B
     
2nd (soph) EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M EART 109 & EART 109L
  PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
     
3rd (junior) Upper-division elective Geology  elective EART 110C & EART 110N
    EART 120 & EART 120L
     
4th (senior) EART 150 & EART 150L Upper-division elective EART 189A*
     
     

* Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

Sample Two-Year Planner

This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other than PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M.

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (junior) Geology elective PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
EART 110A EART 110B & EART 110M EART 109 & EART 109L
     
2nd (senior) EART 150 & EART 150L Upper-division elective EART 120 & EART 120L
  Upper-division elective EART 110C & EART 110N
    EART 189A*

*Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

Planetary Sciences Concentration

The planetary sciences concentration is designed to provide students with a quantitative background appropriate for career pathways in the interdisciplinary study of planets and their satellites. The upper-division elective courses can be tailored for students interested in planetary interiors, atmospheres, and/or surfaces.

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

Choose one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Plus all of the following courses:
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

or these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 22Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

EART 111Mathematics in the Earth Sciences

5

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
EART 110AEvolution of the Earth

7

EART 110BEarth as a Chemical System

5

EART 110MEarth as a Chemical System Laboratory

2

EART 110CThe Dynamic Earth

5

EART 110NThe Dynamic Earth Laboratory

2

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

Plus one of the following:

One elective from the following planetary science courses:

EART 162Planetary Interiors

5

EART 163Planetary Surfaces

5

EART 164Planetary Atmospheres

5

EART 165History and Geochemistry of the Solar System

5

Electives

At least three electives from upper-division Earth sciences or ocean sciences must be completed. Relevant courses in astronomy, mathematics, or other departments may be substituted by petition. Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests.

EART 196B and EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

No more than one quarter of EART 199 may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Lecture/lab combinations count as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) general education requirement. Students in the Earth Sciences B.S. major must complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and planetary sciences advisers for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 102Marine Geology

5

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Comprehensive Requirement

All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement. The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an adviser if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed comprehensive requirement activity. Enrollment in the senior comprehensive is by petition or application.

Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.

To satisfy the comprehensive requirement, each student in these majors must complete one of the following options:

Satisfactory Completion of Summer Field
EART 189AGeographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

Satisfactory Completion of a Senior Thesis

A senior thesis must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after an agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it. It is recommended that students allocate three quarters for the thesis process.

Students may take EART 199: Independent Study, as part of performing the research for their senior thesis. It is required that each student enroll in and pass EART 195: Senior Thesis, in the academic quarter during which they complete their thesis.

Satisfactory Completion of One of the Following Capstone Course Offerings:
EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191BPlanetary Capstone

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

Capstone course offerings vary year to year. If you are interested in completing a capstone course please contact the Earth sciences adviser.

Other options

Other options such as external field research experiences or internships may be suitable by permission of the faculty adviser.

Please meet with an advisor if you have an idea to propose.

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Sample Four-Year Planner

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (frosh) MATH 19A MATH 19B CHEM 1C & CHEM 1N
CHEM 1A CHEM 1B & CHEM 1M  
  EART 20 & EART 20L
 
2nd (soph) EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M* EART 110C & EART 110N
MATH 23A or
EART 111
PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
     
3rd (junior) EART 160 EART elective EART elective
EART 119A    
     
4th (senior) (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
(Sr thesis only)
EART 199
Sr thesis
(EART 195)†
or EART 189A*
  EART 162 EART elective
     

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.

Sample Two-Year Planner

This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other than PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (junior) EART 160 PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M* EART 110C & EART 110N
     
2nd (senior) EART 111 EART 162 EART elective
EART 119A EART elective EART elective
(Sr thesis only)
EART 199
(Sr thesis only)
EART 199
EART 189A*
or sr thesis
(EART 195)†

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.

Ocean Sciences Concentration

The ocean sciences concentration is intended to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways that include oceanography and biogeochemistry. An additional biology course is required for this concentration along with other distributions of upper-division requirements and electives.

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

Choose one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Plus all of the following courses:

Where the lab course follows a lecture course the pair of courses counts as a single course.

BIOE 20CEcology and Evolution

5

CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

or these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 22Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

EART 111Mathematics in the Earth Sciences

5

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
EART 110AEvolution of the Earth

7

EART 110BEarth as a Chemical System

5

EART 110MEarth as a Chemical System Laboratory

2

EART 110CThe Dynamic Earth

5

EART 110NThe Dynamic Earth Laboratory

2

Plus one of the following courses:
OCEA 101The Marine Environment

5

OCEA 102Oceans and Climate: Past, Present, and Future

5

Electives

At least four elective courses from upper-division Earth sciences or ocean sciences offerings must be completed. Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests.

EART 196B and EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

No more than one quarter of EART 199 may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Lecture/lab combinations count as one course.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) general education requirement. Students in the Earth Sciences B.S. major must complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and planetary sciences advisers for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 102Marine Geology

5

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Comprehensive Requirement

All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement. The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an adviser if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed comprehensive requirement activity. Enrollment in the senior comprehensive is by petition or application.

Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.

To satisfy the comprehensive requirement, each student in these majors must complete one of the following options:

Satisfactory completion of Summer Field
EART 189AGeographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis

A senior thesis must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after an agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it. It is recommended that students allocate three quarters for the thesis process.

Students may take EART 199: Independent Study, as part of performing the research for their senior thesis. It is required that each student enroll in and pass EART 195: Senior Thesis, in the academic quarter during which they complete their thesis.

Satisfactory completion of one of the following capstone course offerings:
EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191BPlanetary Capstone

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

Capstone course offerings vary year to year. If you are interested in completing a capstone course please contact the Earth sciences adviser.

Other options

Other options such as external field research experiences or internships may be suitable by permission of the faculty adviser.

Please meet with an adviser if you have an idea to propose.

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Sample Four-Year Planner

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (frosh) CHEM 1A CHEM 1B & CHEM 1M CHEM 1C & CHEM 1N
  MATH 11A or MATH 19A MATH 11B or MATH 19B
  EART 20 & EART 20L
 
2nd (soph) EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M* EART 110C & EART 110N
BIOE 20C PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
     
3rd (junior) EART elective OCEA 101 EART elective
MATH 23A or EART 111 EART elective  
     
4th (senior) (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
EART elective  
  (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
Senior thesis
(EART 195)†
or EART 189A*
     

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.

Sample Two-Year Planner

This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (junior) EART 111 PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
EART 110A EART 110B & EART 110M EART 110C & EART 110N
     
2nd (senior) EART elective EART elective EART elective
EART elective OCEA 101 EART 189A*
or senior thesis
(EART 195)†
(Sr thesis only)
EART 199
 (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
 

*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A and EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.

†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.

Geophysics Concentration

The geophysics concentration provides quantitative, rigorous instruction in the geophysical sciences. Solid Earth geophysics is an internationally recognized field that includes seismology, geodesy, geodynamics and applied methods to image the Earth’s interior. All of these subdisciplines have in common a strong mathematical, physical, and computational underpinning, and students wishing to pursue these subjects need training in mathematics, physics, and computer science as well as geosciences. This program will guide students through these fundamentals and then train them to apply the tools to problems in geophysics. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in natural hazard research and mitigation, the energy industry, or environmental consultancy.

Course Requirements

Lower-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1MGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

CHEM 1CGeneral Chemistry

5

CHEM 1NGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

2

PHYS 6AIntroductory Physics I

5

PHYS 6LIntroductory Physics I Laboratory

1

PHYS 6BIntroductory Physics II

5

PHYS 6MIntroductory Physics II Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

EART 5California Geology

5

EART 5LCalifornia Geology Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 10Geologic Principles

5

EART 10LGeologic Principles Laboratory

1

or these courses

EART 20Environmental Geology

5

EART 20LEnvironmental Geology Laboratory

1

Plus one of the following options:
Either these courses

MATH 19ACalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

MATH 19BCalculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

5

or these courses

MATH 11ACalculus with Applications

5

MATH 11BCalculus with Applications

5

MATH 19A and MATH 19B are strongly preferred.

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 22Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables

5

MATH 23AVector Calculus

5

EART 111Mathematics in the Earth Sciences

5

Plus one of the following courses:
MATH 21Linear Algebra

5

AM 10Mathematical Methods for Engineers I

5

Upper-Division Courses

All of the following courses:
EART 110AEvolution of the Earth

7

EART 110BEarth as a Chemical System

5

EART 110MEarth as a Chemical System Laboratory

2

EART 110CThe Dynamic Earth

5

EART 110NThe Dynamic Earth Laboratory

2

Plus one of these courses:
One of these courses

EART 112Geophysical Data Science

5

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

Plus one of these courses:
One of these courses

EART 118Seismotectonics

5

EART 126Geomechanics

5

EART 162Planetary Interiors

5

Electives

At least four additional electives (5+ credits each) of upper-division Earth sciences courses must be completed. Relevant courses in physics or mathematics may be substituted by petition. Where the lab course follows a lecture course, the pair of courses counts as a single course.

EART 191C, EART 195, and EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Choosing from the following list is recommended, but not mandatory:

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 109LField Geology Laboratory

2

EART 112Geophysical Data Science

5

EART 116Hydrology

5

EART 118Seismotectonics

5

EART 119AIntroduction to Scientific Programming

5

EART 125Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

5

EART 126Geomechanics

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 140LGeomorphology Laboratory

2

EART 142Engineering Geology for Environmental Scientists

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 150LStructural Geology Laboratory

2

EART 152Tectonics

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 162Planetary Interiors

5

EART 163Planetary Surfaces

5

EART 164Planetary Atmospheres

5

EART 165History and Geochemistry of the Solar System

5

EART 172
/OCEA 172
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

5

EART 270Global Seismology

5

EART 273Earthquake Physics

5

EART 278AAdvanced Seismology

5

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division disciplinary communication (DC) general education requirement. Students in the Earth Sciences B.S. major must complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and planetary sciences advisers for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:

EART 100Vertebrate Paleontology

5

EART 101Invertebrate Paleobiology

5

EART 102Marine Geology

5

EART 104Geologic Hazards

5

EART 109Elements of Field Geology

5

EART 120Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

5

EART 140Geomorphology

5

EART 146Groundwater

5

EART 148Glaciology

5

EART 150Structural Geology

5

EART 160Planetary Science

5

EART 189BSummer Field Study

5

EART 191Earth Sciences Capstone Seminar

5

EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

EART 191DPractical Geochemistry

5

EART 195Senior Thesis

5

Comprehensive Requirement

All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement.

The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an adviser if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed comprehensive requirement activity.  Enrollment in the senior comprehensive is by petition or application.

Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.

To do so, each student in the geophysics concentration must complete one of the following capstone options:

Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis

A senior thesis must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after an agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it. It is recommended that students allocate three quarters for the thesis process.

Students may take EART 199: Independent Study, as part of performing the research for their senior thesis. It is required that each student enroll in and pass EART 195: Senior Thesis, in the academic quarter during which they complete their thesis.

Satisfactory completion of one of the following capstone course offerings:
EART 191CPractical Geophysics

5

Capstone course offerings vary year to year. If you are interested in completing a capstone course please contact the Earth sciences adviser.

Planners

The tables below are for informational purposes and do not reflect all university, general education, and credit requirements. See Undergraduate Graduation Requirements for more information.

Sample Four-Year Planner

Year Fall Winter Spring
1st (frosh) CHEM 1A CHEM 1B & CHEM 1M CHEM 1C & CHEM 1N
  MATH 11A or MATH 19A MATH 11B or MATH 19B
  EART 20 & EART 20L  
2nd (soph) EART 110A* EART 110B & EART 110M* EART 110C & EART 110N
MATH 23A or EART 111 PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
  AM 10  
3rd (junior) EART elective OCEA 101 EART elective
EART 119A or EART 112 EART elective  
  EART 118 or EART 126 or EART 162  
4th (senior) EART 199† (Sr thesis only)

EART 191C

Senior thesis
(EART 195)†
  EART elective
  (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
 

† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.

Sample Two-Year Planner

This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements except PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.

Year Fall   Winter Spring
1st (junior) MATH 23A or EART 111   PHYS 6A & PHYS 6L PHYS 6B & PHYS 6M
EART 110A   EART 110B & EART 110M EART 110C & EART 110N
EART 119A or EART 112   EART 118 or EART 126 or EART 162 AM 10
2nd (senior) EART elective   EART elective EART elective
EART elective   (Sr thesis only)
EART 199
Senior thesis
(EART 195)†
EART 199† (Sr thesis only)   EART 191C  

†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.