Geochemistry

Geochemistry uses methods of chemistry to understand the chemical composition of the Earth and other planets. In addition to other requirements Geochemistry students take EPSc 441 Introduction to Geochemistry, and one additional math course either in differential equations, matrix algebra, or probability & statistics. These are prerequisites for the advanced level geochemistry courses that are available to the Geochemistry Track students. 

Core courses: EPSc 201 (Earth and Environment), EPSc 352 (Earth Materials), EPSc 353 (Earth Forces), and  EPSc 441 (Introduction to Geochemistry).

Additional required coursework: Chem 111A, 112A (or a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam); Math 131, 132, 233, and either Math 217 or 309 or 2200 or 3200; Phys 117A, 118A (or Phys 197, 198).

Electives: At least four courses must be selected from those listed below, with at least three in Geochemistry and one in Geology or Geophysics & Remote Sensing.

Geology: EPSc 385 (Earth History), EPSc 400 (Planetary Crusts), EPSc 409 (Surface Processes), EPSc 413 (Intro. Soil Science), EPSc 422 (Sedimentary Geology), EPSc 429 (Environ. Hydrogeology), EPSc 430 (Environ. Mineralogy), EPSc 437 (Intro. Petrology), EPSc 460 (Intro. Structural Geology), EPSc 473 (Planetary Geology)

Geochemistry: EPSc 323 (Biogeochem.), EPSc 401 (Earth Systems Science), EPSc 444 (Environ. Geochem.), EPSc 445 (Organic Geochem.), EPSc 446 (Stable Isotopes), EPSc 474 (Planetary Geochem.), EPSc 511 (Min. in Aq. Environ.), EPSc 544 (Methods Mass. Spectr.), EPSc 545 (Radiogenic Isotope Geochem.), EPSc 569 (Thermo & Phase Equil.), EPSc 571 (Meteorites)

Geophysics & Remote Sensing: EPSc 319 (Physical Oceanography), EPSc 407 (Remote Sensing), EPSc 408 (Earth's Atm. & Global Climate), EPSc 410 (Earth Remote Sensing Methods & Instr.), EPSc 428 (Hydrology), EPSc 452 (Intro. Seismology), EPSc 453 (Interior of the Earth), EPSc 454 (Explor. & Environ. Geophysics), EPSc 459 (Geodynamics)

Capstone experience: All majors are required to complete a capstone experience during their Junior or Senior year.  

Senior Honors (optional): Thesis is required for Senior Honors (see Seniors Honors and Research Distinction).

Recommended writing-intensive courses: The Department offers two courses that satisfy the college writing-intensive requirement, EPSc 498 (Undergraduate Research Seminar) and EPSc 404 (Ideas and Controversies in the Geosciences). These courses are recommended to students majoring in EPS.

Requirements

• You must have graduated from high school, received a recommendation from your teachers or other responsible officials of the school, and taken an appropriate distribution of high school subjects. 
• Your application must be accompanied by a $75 nonrefundable application fee.
• You must also submit your official secondary school transcript, a teacher recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, and essay. 
• Proof of Financial Support
• Either TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required of all international students for whom English is a second language and recommended for U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose second language is English.

Scholarships

• First-Year Student Academic Scholarship & Fellowship Programs
• Global Education
• Need-Based Financial Aid