The Earth Science major provides graduates with a broad understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in and on the planet and how direct and indirect methods are used to examine and understand the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth. Graduates appreciate how humans and ecosystems interact with the dynamic Earth, and they have an in-depth knowledge of the atmosphere and climate change, the rock cycle, natural hazards, and the hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. Additionally, they understand how to measure and use the structure, sequence, and properties of rocks, sediments, and fossils to reconstruct events in Earth's history and identify potential natural hazards or earth resources.
Students in the Paleobiology concentration learn how the biological and physical conditions in deep time shaped the current conditions on Earth. Paleobiologists use image analysis and evolutionary theory to deduce the patterns of change in the biosphere.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 36. Double majors may entail more course units.
