Geology Major

General Geology Track Requirements

This track’s curriculum is intended for students who wish to pursue their liberal arts education by learning about the geological formation and evolution of the earth. Such study provides students with a sound basis for assessing numerous scientific and social issues, including many of the key environmental problems currently faced by our society. Requirements include:

1. An introductory course: GEOL 020A PO , GEOL 020B PO , GEOL 020D PO  or GEOL 020E PO  
2. A set of seven core courses: GEOL 123 PO , GEOL 125 PO , GEOL 127 PO , GEOL 131 PO , GEOL 181 PO , GEOL 183 PO , GEOL 185 PO  
3. Two geology electives
4. GEOL 192 PO , a year-long senior thesis
5. MATH 030 PO  plus either MATH 031 PO  or MATH 058 PO  (or equivalent)

Students, particularly those interested in pursuing graduate studies or professional careers as geologists, are strongly encouraged but not explicitly required to take a full year of introductory chemistry and physics, as well as an approved summer field camp. An excellent way to pursue the latter is through participation in the College’s competitive new Frontiers Abroad study abroad program in New Zealand (frontiersabroad.com), which includes a five-week field camp prior to the start of an academic semester in Christchurch. Study Abroad programs at many other locations (e.g., Cape Town, Edinburgh) also provide excellent opportunities for students to explore a diverse array of geological settings and environments.

Environmental Earth Science (E.E.S.) Track Requirements

This broader scientific track is intended for students who wish to acquire a geological basis for understanding environmental problems but is not intended for students who plan to pursue a career in geology. As a more science-intensive complement to the geology option in the Environmental Analysis Program, it is designed to support careers in environmental policy, law, teaching, consulting or, with supplementary graduate training, environmental research. Requirements include:

1. An introductory course: GEOL 020A PO , GEOL 020B PO , GEOL 020D PO  or GEOL 020E PO  
2. Three intermediate-level courses (take three of four): GEOL 123 PO , GEOL 125 PO , GEOL 127 PO  and GEOL 131 PO  
3. Two upper-division courses (take two of three): GEOL 181 PO , GEOL 183 PO , GEOL 185 PO  
4. GEOL 112 PO  or GEOL 115 PO  or GEOL 120 PO  or GEOL 152 PO  or GEOL 155 PO  
5. MATH 030 PO  
6. BIOL 040 PO  and BIOL 041E PO , or BIOL 44JS and BIOL 146JS
7. CHEM 001A PO , CHEM 001B PO  or CHEM 051 PO  or CHEM 14JS, CHEM 15 or CHEM 29JS
8. One upper-division course in chemistry or biology: BIOL 104 PO  or CHEM 110
9. One pertinent elective to be selected by the student. This elective need not be from the geology curriculum, but must relate in some clear way to the student’s senior thesis goals and must be approved by the student’s major advisor. Relevant courses from any of the Claremont Colleges may be applied.
10. GEOL192 PO - Senior Project in Geology  

Earth, Planetary and Space Science Track Requirements

This track, which blends geology and physics/astronomy, facilitates interdisciplinary exploration of the space sciences with a focus on understanding the formation and evolution of our planet, other solar system bodies, stars and the galaxies of our universe. The curriculum below is specifically intended for students who wish to explore their interest in planetary geology, though preparation for graduate study and a professional career often requires additional course work framed in consultation with faculty; a similar track with a slightly different space science emphasis (i.e., disciplinary focus) is offered by the Physics Department.

Requirements include:

1. Introductory Courses: GEOL 020 (GEOL 020B PO  recommended); ASTR 051 PO  or ASTR 062 PO ; PHYS 041 PO  and PHYS 042 PO ; MATH 030 PO , MATH 031 PO  and MATH 032 PO .
2. Disciplinary Focus in Geology: GEOL 112 PO ; plus any two courses from GEOL 123 PO , GEOL 125 PO , GEOL 127 PO  or GEOL 131 PO ; plus one course from GEOL 155 PO ,  GEOL 181 PO , GEOL 183 PO  or GEOL 185 PO ; ASTR 101 PO ; plus one other astronomy credit of the student’s choice.
3. Independent Study: GEOL 199IRPO  or ASTR 199IRPO , an advanced independent study topic to be selected in consultation with Mr. Grosfils, Mr. Penprase or Mr. Choi.
4. GEOL192 PO - Senior Project in Geology .

Geochemistry Track Requirements

A wide range of problems in Earth sciences, ranging from the generation of magmas to the operation of Earth’s climate system, rely upon geochemical approaches. This track’s focused curriculum is intended for students who wish to pursue graduate studies and professional careers as geochemists. The numbered sequence below indicates roughly the order in which courses in geology, chemistry and mathematics could be taken concurrently.

1. One introductory geology course selected from: GEOL 020A PO , GEOL 020B PO , GEOL 020D PO  or GEOL 020E PO .
2. Introductory Chemistry: CHEM 001A PO , CHEM 001B PO , or if placement exam allows, CHEM 051 PO  only. Equivalent introductory chemistry courses from Keck Sciences or Harvey Mudd may be substituted.
3. MATH 030 PO  plus MATH 031 PO  or MATH 032 PO  or MATH 058 PO  (or equivalent courses)
4. Three intermediate level geology courses selected from: GEOL 123 PO , GEOL 125 PO , GEOL 127 PO , GEOL 131 PO .
5. Two elective geology courses selected from: GEOL 111A PO  or GEOL 112 PO  or GEOL 115 PO  or GEOL 120 PO  or GEOL 152 PO .
6. At least two upper-division Chemistry courses numbered 100 or above. Note that in addition to introductory chemistry, prerequisites for upper division chemistry courses vary.
7. Two upper-level Geology courses selected from: GEOL 181 PO , GEOL 183 PO , GEOL 185 PO .
8. GEOL192 PO - Senior Project in Geology  .

Public Policy Major in Geology Track Requirements

This track is intended for students with minimal interest in pursuing a career in geology. However, it differs from the environmental analysis-geology path in having a much stronger public policy focus and a lighter science course load. See the Public Policy Analysis Program  section of this catalog for information about requirements.