Earth SciencesOFFICE: Galbraith Hall, room 188, 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 and the California Space Institute. 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 is intended to be a transition program to a proposed Department of Earth Sciences, to be implemented at UCSD at a future time. Most earth science faculty are members of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and 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 SciencesThree tracks with slightly different course requirements are presently offered through the UCSD Interdisciplinary Earth Sciences Undergraduate Program. These are the General ERTH major, and the ERTH/Chemistry and ERTH/Physics majors. Lower-division requirements are the same for all majors and are designed to provide the foundations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology that are essential in modern quantitative earth sciences disciplines. In addition, three upper-division courses introducing the basic concepts of geology and geochemistry, ERTH 101, ERTH 102, and if schedule permits, ERTH 104, 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 CoursesSpecial 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. Lower-Division Requirements (common for all earth science majors)The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
A possible schedule yields:
ERTH/Chemistry MajorThis 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. Upper-Division RequirementsIn addition to ERTH 101 and ERTH 102 (see lower-division requirements), the following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Students may wish to incorporate a small portion of the major program into their lower-division course load, for example, Chemistry 120A, Chemistry 140A. * Requires prerequisite other than earth science requirements. A possible schedule yields:
ERTH/Physics MajorThis 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 a Natural Resources and Field Geophysics sequence. Upper-Division RequirementsIn addition to ERTH 101 and ERTH 102 (see lower-division requirement), the following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Students may wish to incorporate a small portion of the major program into their lower-division course load, for example, Physics 105, Mathematics 110, or equivalent. Students intending to do graduate work in geophysics are encouraged to take the Physics 4 sequence rather than the Physics 2 sequence. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in a field geology course. An example schedule is outlined below.
ERTH/GeneralThe general 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/Chemistry and ERTH/Physics tracks, it requires more earth science and fewer non-earth science courses. Upper-Division RequirementsIn addition to ERTH 101 and ERTH 102 (see lower-division requirements), the following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
A possible schedule yields :
Earth Sciences MinorA 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 student’s 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 student’s college permits. Honors ProgramThe 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:
Successful completion of the Honors Program requires:
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 AbroadStudy abroad through the Education Abroad Program or Opportunities Abroad Program can enhance a student’s 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 EducationStudents 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 UCSD’s 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 Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree ProgramThe 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 applicant’s 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 ProgramOther 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. |
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