Geophysics, B.A.

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 (30-40 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

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 301 , GSCI 341 , GSCI 443 , GSCI 491 ; 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.

Sample Course Map

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2022: please select the bulletin year in which you entered the college (matriculated) at the top right of this page.

Curriculum Map  

• First Year 
  • Fall - 15 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 123 - Analytical Physics I  
    • PHYS 114 - Physics I Lab  
    • GSCI 160 - Physical Geology  
    • GSCI 161 - Physical Geology Laboratory  
      • Counts for Global Society: CGC and SST
    • MATH 221 - Calculus I  
    • WRTG 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle)  
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 125 - Analytical Physics II  
    • PHYS 116 - Physics II Lab  
    • GSCI 170 - Historical Geology  
    • MATH 222 - Calculus II  
    • Global Society: DPP - Credit(s): 3 
• Second Year 
  • Fall - 16 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 223 - Analytical Physics III  
    • MATH 223 - Calculus III  
    • PHYS 226 - Optics and Modern Physics Laboratory  
    • Global Society: WCV - Credit(s): 4 
    • World Language 101 - Credit(s): 4 
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 224 - Analytical Physics IV  
    • MATH 326 - Differential Equations  
    • PHYS 228 - Mathematical Methods in Physics  
    • World Language 102 - Credit(s): 4 
    • Global Society: CAI - Credit(s): 3 
• Third Year 
  • Fall - 16 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 210 - Mineralogy  
    • PHYS 335 - Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I  
    • PHYS 362 - Intermediate Laboratory  
    • CHEM 116 - Chemistry I  or CHEM 203 - Principles of Chemistry I  
    • CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab  
    • Elective - Credit(s): 3 
  • Spring - 13 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 220 - Petrology Credit(s): 3
    • GSCI 341 - Principles of Structural Geology  
    • GSCI 3xx Elective - Credit(s): 3 
    • CHEM 118 - Chemistry II  or CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II  
    • CHEM 129 - Introduction to Laboratory Research in Chemistry  
• Fourth Year 
  • Fall - 15 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 391 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar I Credit(s): 1
    • GSCI 343 - Applied Geophysics Credit(s): 3
    • PHYS 3xx-4xx Elective - Credit(s): 3 
    • Integrated & Applied Learning - Credit(s): 3
    • Electives - Credit(s): 5 
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 3xx-4xx Elective - Credit(s): 3 
    • GSCI 392 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar II Credit(s): 1
    • Electives - Credit(s): 11 

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

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