Earth Sciences
OFFICE: Galbraith Hall, room 188
Revelle College
Lisa Tauxe, Professor, Geophysics, (Program Director)
Jane Teranes, Associate Director
Professors
Courses
The UCSD Interdisciplinary Earth Sciences Undergraduate Program
offers an earth sciences major leading to a B.S. degree, with emphasis
on the quantitative aspects of the field. As a guiding concept,
the focus of the earth sciences curriculum is the physical and chemical
evolution of the earth system and the energetics and dynamics of
this evolution. The program takes advantage of the unique opportunities
offered by UCSD, in particular through the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography. The major can be complemented by various minors ranging
from mathematics, physics or chemistry, to biology, environmental
science, or public policy, and political science. Chemistry and
physics majors may also specialize in earth sciences by taking a
series of courses offered through this program (see the Chemistry
and Physics sections of the catalog for details). In
addition, the program offers a broad choice of courses, including
general-education courses in the earth sciences and related topics
from which to select a minor in the earth sciences.
The Undergraduate Earth Science Program was initiated in the fall
of 1992, and most of the faculty are members of the Scripps Institution
of Oceanography. Students, especially earth science majors, are
encouraged to consult with these instructors about incorporating
appropriate Scripps Institution of Oceanography courses into their
programs.
Majors in Earth Sciences
Three tracks with slightly different course requirements are presently
offered through the UCSD Interdisciplinary Earth Sciences Undergraduate
Program. These are the ERTH/Geology major, ERTH/Geochemistry,
and ERTH/Geophysics majors.
It is strongly recommended that all Earth Science majors
meet regularly with the Earth Science program academic advising
staff and a faculty adviser to discuss and update curriculum choices.
Lower-division requirements are designed to provide the foundations
in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology that are essential
in modern quantitative earth science disciplines. In addition, there
are four upper-division courses introducing basic concepts, ERTH
100, ERTH 102, ERTH 103, and ERTH 104. ERTH 100, ERTH 102, and ERTH
103 should be taken during the sophomore year to provide the appropriate
background for other upper-division courses.
A grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in the upper-division major
program is required for graduation. Students must receive a grade
of C or better in any course to be counted toward fulfillment
of the major requirements. In exceptional cases, students with a
grade-point average in the major of 2.5 or greater may petition
to have one grade of D accepted. All courses (lower- and upper-division)
required for the major must be taken for a letter grade.
Special Studies Courses
Special studies in the Earth Sciences are offered as the courses
ERTH 198 and ERTH 199. These courses are subject to consent of the
instructor and approval by the Earth Sciences faculty adviser. They
are open to students who have accrued at least ninety quarter-units
and have a GPA of at least 3.0. No more than two quarters of earth
sciences special studies may be counted toward any earth sciences
major.
ERTH/Geology
The geology ERTH major is designed to allow students maximum flexibility
in tailoring the curriculum to their interests, within the constraints
of obtaining the necessary background in physical, biological, and
earth sciences. Compared to the ERTH/Geochemistry and ERTH/Geophysics
tracks, it requires more earth science and fewer non-earth science
courses
Lower-Division Requirements
Math 20A-B-C (may allow Math. 10A-B-C by petition) AND Math. 20D
Physics 2A-B-C (may allow Physics 1A-B-C by petition
Chemistry 6A-B-C
Biology 3
ERTH 50
Earth Science Upper-Division Core Requirements
ERTH 100. Introduction to Field Methods
ERTH 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
ERTH 103. Introduction to Geophysics
ERTH 104. Geobiology
Upper-Division Earth Science Requirements
ERTH 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
ERTH 120. Mineralogy
ERTH 152. Petrology and Petrography
ERTH 160. Introduction to Tectonics
ERTH 162. Structural Geology
ERTH 182A-B. Applied Geophysics
Upper-division restricted electives: at least four courses from:
ERTH 110. Introduction to GIS for Earth and Environmental Scientists
ERTH 112. Urban Landscapes
ERTH 135. Satellite Remote Sensing
ERTH 142. Atmospheric Chemistry
ERTH 144. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry
ERTH 155. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
ERTH 170. Introduction to Volcanology (summer session)
ERTH 185. Applied Complexity
ERTH 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
ERTH 197. Earth Science Internship
ERTH 198. Directed Group Study
ERTH 199. Independent Study
SIO 210. Physical Oceanography
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 240. Marine Geology
SIO 247. Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism
SIO 250. Earth History
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
SIO 280. Biological Oceanography
An example schedule is outlined below:
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
FRESHMAN YEAR |
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
ERTH 50 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B |
|
SOPHOMORE
YEAR |
|
|
Math. 20D |
ERTH 102 |
ERTH 104 |
Phys. 2C |
ERTH 162 |
|
ERTH 100 |
BILD 3
|
|
|
JUNIOR YEAR |
|
|
ERTH 105 |
ERTH 120 |
ERTH 152 |
ERTH 103 |
ERTH 182A |
ERTH 182B |
|
SENIOR YEAR |
|
|
ERTH Elect. |
ERTH Elect. |
ERTH Elect. |
|
ERTH Elect. |
ERTH 160 |
|
ERTH/Geochemistry Major
This specialization focuses on the Earth as a chemical system,
and on its evolution. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental observations
that allow geoscientists to understand better the past history of
the planet, the energetics of its evolution, and the major cycles
(e.g., water, carbon) that characterize and control planetary-scale
changes on a broad range of time scales. The major is appropriate
for students interested in modern geochemistry, in global
change studies, and in global and local environmental problems,
including biochemical and anthropogenic effects.
Lower-Division Requirements
Math 20A-B-C
Physics 2A-B-C (2D rcommended)
Chemistry 6A-B-C and Chem 6BL
Biology 3
Earth Sciences 50
Earth Science Upper-Division Core Requirements
ERTH 100. Introduction to Field Methods
ERTH 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
ERTH 103. Introduction to Geophysics
ERTH 104. Geobiology
Upper-Division Earth Science Requirements
ERTH 120. Mineralogy
ERTH 144. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry
ERTH 152. Petrology and Petrography
Upper-Division Chemistry Requirements
Chemistry 120A. Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry 131. Physical Chemistry or Chemistry 127
Chemistry 140A. Organic Chemistry
Chemistry restricted electives, at least two courses from:
Chemistry 149A-B. Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry 173. Atmospheric Chemistry
Upper-division restricted electives: at least three courses from:
ERTH 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
ERTH 110. Introduction to GIS for Earth and Environmental Scientists
ERTH 112. Urban Landscapes
ERTH 135. Satellite Remote Sensing
ERTH 142. Atmospheric Chemistry and Biochemical Cycles
ERTH 155. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
ERTH 160. Introduction to Tectonics
ERTH 162. Structural Geology
ERTH 170. Introduction to Volcanology (summer session)
ERTH 182A-B. Applied Geophysics
ERTH 185. Applied Complexity
ERTH 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
ERTH 197. Earth Science Internship
ERTH 198. Directed Group Study
ERTH 199. Independent Study
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 240. Marine Geology
SIO 247. Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism
SIO 250. Earth History
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
SIO 263. Aqueous Chemistry
An example schedule is outlined below.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
fRESHMAN YEAR |
|
|
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
Math. 20A |
Chem. 6BL |
Math. 20C |
ERTH 50 |
Math. 20B |
|
|
SOPHOMORE YEAR |
|
|
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B |
Phys. 2C |
Math. 20D |
ERTH 102 |
BILD 3 |
ERTH 100 |
|
|
|
JUNIOR YEAR |
|
|
ERTH 103 |
ERTH 120 |
ERTH 104 |
Chem. 140A |
ERTH 144 |
ERTH 152 |
|
Chem. 127 or 131 |
|
|
SENIOR YEAR |
|
|
Chem. 120A |
ERTH Elect. |
ERTH Elect. |
Chem. Elect. |
ERTH Elect. |
Chem. Elect. |
|
ERTH/Geophysics Major
This specialization focuses on the mechanical, dynamical, and thermodynamical
aspects of the Earth. Emphasis is placed on a solid background of
fundamental physics, from mechanics and electromagnetism to continuum-
and quantum mechanics, and on the necessary mathematical skills.
The major introduces basic techniques used to investigate the internal
structure of the Earth, from seismology to the study of potential
fields, and space geodesy. Elementary geodynamics, including the
physics of simple convective systems, introductory rock mechanics,
and plate kinematics are among topics introduced. At the same time,
a “hands on” exposure to field problems and techniques
will be accessible through an Applied Geophysics sequence.
Lower-division Requirements
Math 20A-B-C-D-E-F
Physics 4A-B-C-D or Physics 2A-B-C (Physics 4 sequence recommended)
Chemistry 6A-B-C
Biology 3
ERTH 50
Earth Science Upper-Division Core Requirements
ERTH 100. Introduction to Field Methods
ERTH 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
ERTH 103. Introduction to Geophysics
ERTH 104. Geobiology
Upper-Division Earth Sciences Requirements
ERTH 130. Geodynamics of Terrestrial Planets or ERTH 160. Introduction
to Tectonics
ERTH 182A-B. Applied Geophysics
Upper-Division Physics Requirements
Physics 100A-B-C. Electromagnetism
Physics 110A-B. Mechanics
Physics restricted electives: at least one course from:
Physics 105A. Mathematical and Computational Physics
Physics 121. Experimental Techniques
Physics 140A-B. Statistical and Thermal Physics
MAE 131A. Solid Mechanics I
MAE 180A. Space Science and Engineering
Upper-Division Restricted electives: at least two courses from:
ERTH 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
ERTH 110. Introduction to GIS for Earth and Environmental Scientists
ERTH 112. Urban Landscapes
ERTH 120. Mineralogy
ERTH 130. Geodynamics of Terrestrial Planets
ERTH 135. Satellite Remote Sensing
ERTH 142. Atmospheric Chemistry and Biochemical Cycles
ERTH 144. Introduction to Isotope Chemistry
ERTH 152. Petrology and Petrography
ERTH 155. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
ERTH 160. Introduction to Tectonics
ERTH 162. Structural Geology
ERTH 170. Introduction to Volcanology (summer session)
ERTH 185. Applied Complexity
ERTH 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
ERTH 197. Earth Science Internship
ERTH 198. Directed Group Study
ERTH 199. Independent Study
SIO 223. Geophysical Data Analysis
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 227A. Introduction to Seismology
SIO 250. Earth History
An example schedule is outlined below.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
FRESHMAN YEAR |
|
|
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
ERTH 50 |
Phys. 4A |
Phys. 4B |
|
SOPHOMORE YEAR |
|
|
Math. 20D |
Math. 20E |
Math. 20F |
Phys. 4C |
Phys. 4D |
BILD 3 |
ERTH 100 |
ERTH 102 |
|
|
JUNIOR YEAR |
|
|
Phys. 100A |
Phys. 100B |
Phys. 100C |
Phys. 110A |
Phys. 110B |
ERTH 104 |
ERTH 103 |
ERTH 182A |
ERTH 182B |
|
SENIOR YEAR |
|
|
ERTH 130 OR 160 |
Phys. Elect. |
ERTH Elect. |
|
ERTH Elect. |
|
|
Earth Sciences Minor
A minor in earth sciences consists of twenty-eight units of earth
science courses, at least twenty of which must be upper-division,
focused on geology, geochemistry, or geophysics. Courses required
by a students major may not be applied toward a minor and
neither can ERTH 198 nor ERTH 199. Courses for the minor may be
taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis if the students college permits.
Honors Program
The Earth Sciences Program offers an Honors Program for a limited
number of students who have demonstrated excellence in the major.
Students are eligible for admission to the program when they have:
- Completed ninety units of courses including twelve units of
earth science courses.
- Achieved a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in earth science courses.
- Submitted to the Earth Science Steering Committee, and had
approved, an honors thesis research proposal.
Successful completion of the Honors Program requires:
- Maintenance of a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in earth science
courses.
- Completion, with a B grade or higher, of a minimum of eight
units of ERTH 196 related to the honors thesis research, distributed
over at least two quarters. These units must be in addition to
the ordinary major requirements. However, students who subsequently
fail to complete the Honors Program may apply up to four of these
196 units to their major.
- Acceptance of a written honors thesis report by a committee
of not fewer than three faculty members.
- Satisfactory presentation of an oral report on the thesis research,
preferably at a public undergraduate research conference on campus,
or at an earth science conference. Alternatively, the oral report
may be given at a seminar involving honors students and at least
three faculty members.
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program will graduate
with high distinction.
Students who are interested in the Honors Program should contact
the program adviser in Galbraith Hall, room 188, Revelle College.
Study Abroad
Study abroad through the Education Abroad Program or
Opportunities Abroad Program can enhance a students major,
particularly as an opportunity for diverse field experiences. However,
careful planning is important to meet all major requirements. Please
contact the Earth Sciences Office as early as possible if you are
planning to study abroad.
Careers in Education
Students interested in a teaching career should be aware that the
earth sciences major, because of its broad course requirements in
the sciences, fulfills many of the subject requirements for obtaining
a California Teaching Credential through UCSDs Teacher Education
Program (TEP). The projected high demand over the next decade for
well-trained teachers, particularly in the sciences, makes this
an attractive option for many students. Students who wish to take
advantage of this opportunity may wish to complete a minor in education.
Please contact the TEP office directly for further details.
Contiguous Bachelors/Masters Degree Program
The integrated program leading to a bachelor of science and a master
of science degree in Earth Sciences is offered to undergraduate
students who are enrolled in the Earth Sciences major, and to qualified
students who are completing a specialization or minor in Earth Sciences.
It is open only to UCSD undergraduates, and entails participation
in research in an area of the earth sciences to be determined jointly
by the student and a committee of faculty members from the Earth
Sciences Program. Applications will only be accepted during the
final quarter of the applicants junior year, or the first
or second quarter of the senior year. A minimum undergraduate GPA
of 3.0 overall and 3.3 in upper-division Earth Sciences courses
is required for admission. Applications must include a written statement
of purpose, a summary of the research proposal, and a letter of
support from the potential M.S. thesis adviser. Students must complete
requirements for the B.S. Degree before they are enrolled in the
M.S. program, and are expected to meet the requirements for the
M.S. degree within three consecutive academic quarters after obtaining
the B.S. Students may be dropped from the program if breaks in enrollment
occur. The Earth Sciences Program does not have financial aid available
for students enrolled in the program. Please contact the Earth Sciences
Office in Galbraith Hall, room 188, Revelle College for information.
Earth Sciences Graduate Program
Other graduate degrees in the earth sciences are offered through
the graduate department of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
See listings under Scripps Institution of Oceanography
for detailed information.
Earth Sciences
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