Geophysics, B.A.

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The primary objective of this interdisciplinary program is to prepare students for both immediate careers and graduate-level study in geophysics. The program differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Geological Sciences and Physics since it provides the background in both mathematics and physics that is required for solution of problems in the field of solid earth geophysics.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, describe, and interpret Earth materials, and evaluate the physical, geometric, and temporal relationships in a geophysical context.
2. Use advanced mathematics to solve physics problems of increasing complexity
3. Use scientific instrumentation to make measurements
4.Design experiments to solve scientific questions
5. Use appropriate field and analytical tools for the purpose of data collection and analysis.
6. Critically evaluate data and interpretations, and succinctly communicate data and observations using spreadsheets, graphical and/or spatial analysis tools.
7. Access and utilize the geologic literature.
8. Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats as well as be comfortable with the language of geology.
9. Create, read, and interpret topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross-sections.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)

Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 76

Basic Requirements: (53 Credits)

GSCI 160 - N/Physical Geology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 161 - N/Physical Geology Laboratory Credit(s): 1
GSCI 170 - Historical Geology Credit(s): 4
GSCI 210 - Mineralogy Credit(s): 3
GSCI 220 - Petrology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 341 - Principles of Structural Geology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 343 - Applied Geophysics Credit(s): 3
GSCI 391 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar I Credit(s): 1
GSCI 392 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar II Credit(s): 1
PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 114 - N/Physics I Lab Credit(s): 1
PHYS 125 - N/Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
PHYS 116 - N/Physics II Lab Credit(s): 1
PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III Credit(s): 3
PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV Credit(s): 3
PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory Credit(s): 1
PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics Credit(s): 2
PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory Credit(s): 3
Electives in 300-level Geological Sciences and Physics Credit(s): 9

Related Requirements: (23 Credits)

MATH 221 - R/Calculus I Credit(s): 4
MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
MATH 223 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
MATH 326 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3
CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - N/Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 2
or
CHEM 203 - N/Principles of Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - N/Introductory Chemistry Lab
Credit(s): 2

Minimum Competence Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: GSCI 160 , GSCI 161 , GSCI 170 , GSCI 210 , GSCI 220 , GSCI 341 , GSCI 343 , GSCI 391 ; PHYS 123 /PHYS 114 , PHYS 125 /PHYS 116 , PHYS 223 , PHYS 224 , PHYS 226 , PHYS 335 , and PHYS 362 .

Department Writing Requirement

Students in Geophysics will satisfy the writing requirement of either the Department of Geological Sciences or Physics. The determination will be made by the Coordinator and/or advisor upon review of student’s course selection. Students must consult with their advisor to ensure that they meet the College’s writing requirement.

Outline/Advising Guide

For Students who Matriculated prior to Fall 2022:

First Year

Fall (15 Credit Hours)

PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 114 - N/Physics I Lab Credit(s): 1
GSCI 160 - N/Physical Geology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 161 - N/Physical Geology Laboratory Credit(s): 1
MATH 221 - R/Calculus I Credit(s): 4
INTD 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle) Credit(s): 3

Spring (15 Credit Hours)

PHYS 125 - N/Analytical Physics II Credit(s): 3
PHYS 116 - N/Physics II Lab Credit(s): 1
GSCI 170 - Historical Geology Credit(s): 4
MATH 222 - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3

Second Year

Fall (14-15 Credit Hours)

PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III Credit(s): 3
MATH 223 - Calculus III Credit(s): 4
CHEM 116 - Chemistry I Credit(s): 3 or
CHEM 203 - N/Principles of Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3
PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory Credit(s): 1

Spring (15-16 Credit Hours)

PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV Credit(s): 3
MATH 326 - Differential Equations Credit(s): 3
CHEM 118 - Chemistry II Credit(s): 3 or
CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 119 - N/Introductory Chemistry Lab Credit(s): 2
PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics Credit(s): 2
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3

Third Year

Fall (15 Credit Hours)

GSCI 210 - Mineralogy Credit(s): 3
PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory Credit(s): 3
HUMN 220 - W/H/Western Humanities I Credit(s): 4 or
HUMN 221 - W/H/Western Humanities II Credit(s): 4
S/ Credit(s): 3

Spring (15 Credit Hours)

GSCI 220 - Petrology Credit(s): 3
GSCI 341 - Principles of Structural Geology Credit(s): 3
PHYS or GSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
F/ Credit(s): 3
M/ Credit(s): 3

Fourth Year

Fall (16 Credit Hours)

PHYS or GSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
GSCI 391 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar I Credit(s): 1
GSCI 343 - Applied Geophysics Credit(s): 3
F/ Credit(s): 3
S/ Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Spring (14 Credit Hours)

PHYS or GSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
Electives Credit(s): 10
GSCI 392 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar II Credit(s): 1

Total Credit Hours: 120

Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional information.