Geology-Physics and Mathematics

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Local:$ 68.1 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 68.1 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 1, 2025
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Geophysics involves the application of physics and mathematics to the study of processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets, over short and long timescales. The AB degree requires a total of 14 courses, including 6 geoscience courses, 3 physics or engineering courses, and 3 math and applied math courses. The ScB degree requires a total of 20 courses, including 8 geoscience courses, 4 physics or engineering courses, and 3 math and applied courses; students can choose courses from both solid Earth geophysics and climate science themes. Geoscience courses emphasize an analytical and process-oriented approach, with hands-on experiences in labs and on field trips. Active and collaborative learning is encouraged, as is practice in written and oral communication. There are many opportunities for students to engage in research (typically in paid positions) during the academic year or in the summer, in areas such as analysis of seismic waves in subduction zones, theoretical modeling of convection in the Earth’s mantle, modeling the effects of the warming climate in the oceans and atmosphere, and remote sensing of how climate change affects vegetation.

Recommended for students seeking a liberal education and interested in applying physical and mathematical principles toward an understanding of the processes affecting planets, Earth, and the environment and how they are modeled.  Some course requirements may be flexible based on consultation with concentration advisor.

GEOL 0220 Physical Processes in Geology 1
GEOL 0250 Computational Approaches to Modelling and Quantitative Analysis in Natural Sciences: An Introduction 1
or GEOL 0350 Mathematical Methods of Fluid and Solid Geophysics and Geology
Four theme courses (choose either the Solid Earth Geophysics Theme or the Climate Science Theme) 4

Solid Earth Geophysics Theme

 

GEOL 0230

Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes (solid Earth geophysics theme)  

GEOL 1610

Solid Earth Geophysics (solid Earth geophysics theme)  

And select two of the following:

 

GEOL 1410

Mineralogy (solid Earth geophysics theme)  

GEOL 1420

Petrology  

GEOL 1450

Structural Geology (solid Earth geophysics theme)  

GEOL 1620

Continuum Physics of the Solid Earth (solid Earth geophysics theme)  

Climate Science Theme

 

GEOL 0240

Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet (climate science theme)  

GEOL 1350

Weather and Climate (climate science theme)  

And select two from the following:

 

GEOL 1130

Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles (climate science theme)  

GEOL 1310

Global Water Cycle (climate science theme)  

GEOL 1430

Principles of Planetary Climate (climate science theme)  

GEOL 1510

Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics (climate science theme))  

GEOL 1520

Ocean Circulation and Climate

 
Choose one of the following: 1

PHYS 0050

Foundations of Mechanics  

PHYS 0070

Analytical Mechanics  

ENGN 0040

Dynamics and Vibrations  
Choose one of the following: 1

PHYS 0060

Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics  

ENGN 0310

Mechanics of Solids and Structures  

ENGN 0810

Fluid Mechanics 1  
Choose one of the following: 1

PHYS 0470

Electricity and Magnetism  

PHYS 0500

Advanced Classical Mechanics  

PHYS 1600

Computational Physics  

ENGN 0510

Electricity and Magnetism  

ENGN 0810

Fluid Mechanics 1,2  

ENGN 1370

Advanced Engineering Mechanics  

GEOL 1820

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

 
Three courses in Mathematics, including: 3

APMA 0330

Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II  

or APMA 0340

Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II
CHEM 0330 Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure (or advanced placement) 1
One additional course from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. 3 1
Total Credits 14
1

 One course cannot be used to satisfy two requirements.

2

ENGN 0810 or GEOL 1820 are recommended for those completing the Climate Science theme. 

3

In addition to courses listed elsewhere, in the Geology-Physics/Math concentrations, these courses are of particular relevance: GEOL 0810, GEOL 1320, GEOL 1710, GEOL 1960A.

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

This program is recommended for students interested in graduate study and careers in geophysics, climate science and related fields.  Students will be prepared to understand and use models, make measurements, and use theories of the processes studied in these fields.  Some course requirements may be flexible based on consultation with concentration advisor.

GEOL 0220 Physical Processes in Geology 1
GEOL 1430 Principles of Planetary Climate 1
GEOL 1610 Solid Earth Geophysics 1
GEOL 0250 Computational Approaches to Modelling and Quantitative Analysis in Natural Sciences: An Introduction 1
or GEOL 0350 Mathematical Methods of Fluid and Solid Geophysics and Geology
Five theme courses (choose either the Solid Earth Geophysics theme or the Climate Science Theme): 5

Solid Earth Geophysics Theme

 

GEOL 0230

Geochemistry: Earth and Planetary Materials and Processes  

GEOL 1450

Structural Geology  

GEOL 1620

Continuum Physics of the Solid Earth  

And choose two from the following:

 

GEOL 1410

Mineralogy  

GEOL 1420

Petrology  

GEOL 1560

Global Tectonics  

GEOL 1650

Earthquake Seismology (Climate Science Theme)  

Or a field course

 

Climate Science Theme

 

GEOL 0240

Earth: Evolution of a Habitable Planet  

Choose one:

 

GEOL 1510

Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics  

GEOL 1520

Ocean Circulation and Climate

 

And choose three from the following: 1

 

GEOL 1130

Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles  

GEOL 1310

Global Water Cycle  

GEOL 1330

Global Environmental Remote Sensing  

GEOL 1510

Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics  

GEOL 1520

Ocean Circulation and Climate

 

Or a field or sea course

 
PHYS 0050 Foundations of Mechanics 1
or PHYS 0070 Analytical Mechanics
or ENGN 0040 Dynamics and Vibrations
PHYS 0060 Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics 1
or ENGN 0310 Mechanics of Solids and Structures
or ENGN 0810 Fluid Mechanics
Select two of the following: 1,2 2

PHYS 0470

Electricity and Magnetism  

PHYS 0500

Advanced Classical Mechanics  

PHYS 1600

Computational Physics  

ENGN 0510

Electricity and Magnetism  

ENGN 0810

Fluid Mechanics  

ENGN 1370

Advanced Engineering Mechanics  

GEOL 1820

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

 
Three courses in mathematics including 3

APMA 0330

Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II  

or APMA 0340

Methods of Applied Mathematics I, II
Two additional courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the departmental concentration advisor. 3 2
CHEM 0330 Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure 1
GEOL 1970 Individual Study of Geologic Problems 1
Total Credits 20
1

 One course cannot be used to satisfy two requirements

2

ENGN 0810 or GEOL 1820 are recommended for those completing the Climate Science theme.

3

In addition to courses listed elsewhere, in the Geology-Physics/Math concentrations, these courses are of particular relevance: GEOL 0810, GEOL 1320, GEOL 1710, GEOL 1960A.

Requirements

  • Test Requirements: Applicants can satisfy our testing requirement in one of two ways: (1) Either the SAT and any two SAT Subject Tests, or (2) the ACT.  Applicants who take the redesigned SAT are not required to take the optional writing section.  For applicants who take the ACT, we strongly encourage, but do not require, the writing component.  Brown will accept test results for either the old or the new SAT.
  • Official test results must be sent directly to Brown from either the College Board, which administers the SAT, or from the American College Testing Program, which administers the ACT.
  • To have scores sent to Brown, you will need to provide our institutional code numbers:
    • For the SAT, Brown's code number is 3094
    • For the ACT, Brown's code number is 3800
  • You are welcome to take advantage of the College Board's Score Choice option, but this may delay your scores being received by Brown---a delay may mean we will not read your application until we receive a full set of official test scores.
  • Please note: we encourage students to have at least one set of scores in our office by the appropriate application deadline.
  • An official transcript of your complete high school academic record must be sent to the Office of College Admission directly from each secondary school you have attended.
  • We will accept transcripts submitted by your school(s) through online services, such as Docufide, Naviance, and the Common Application. If you are unable to submit through one of these online services arrange to have your materials sent directly to Brown University, Office of College Admission, Box 1876, Providence, RI 02912 or fax to 401.863.9300.
  • Your midyear school report including final grades for fall courses and a list of your spring courses can be submitted online through the Common Application.
  • Through the Common Application applicants can request school forms and recommendations via email from their guidance counselor and from two teachers who have taught them in major academic subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, foreign language, English).
  • If you are considering a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education, at least one of your recommendations should come from a math or science teacher. In addition, we highly recommend that applicants to the PLME program submit results for at least one science SAT Subject Test.
  • Please note: secondary school personnel do not need to wait until you have submitted your application before making their contributions. The online system will lead you through the process of supplying the name and email address of your counselor and teachers so that a user account can be created for them. They will then be able to submit forms on your behalf either electronically or via regular mail.
  • Please note: applicants are neither required nor expected to provide additional materials, but the opportunity to do so is available to any candidate. Applicants are not expected to provide additional materials as part of the admission process.
  • We prefer that you upload supplementary materials to your file after you receive your Brown account username. 
  • We recommend that you do not send a collection of award certificates or similar materials.
  • If you are accomplished in music or visual art, you may include additional supplements along with your application in the Common Application, through SlideRoom. You do not need to wait for your Brown account username to upload music or visual art materials to SlideRoom.
  • Please note: SlideRoom only accepts one submission, if submitting two you will need to sign up with a second email account.
  • Auditions and portfolio reviews are neither required nor reviewed for students interested in Theatre Arts & Performance Studies.
  • If you have a YouTube video we recommend uploading the link via our self-service site once you receive your Brown account username.  
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