From energy to climate change to environmental degradation, many of the most pressing societal issues of the coming century will pertain to geoscience. The study of the Earth is central to maintaining clean drinking water, mitigating environmental contamination, providing ores and rare elements necessary for industry, and locating new sources of energy.
The Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES) Department offers a major in geoscience designed to meet the needs of students wishing to pursue graduate school or immediate employment in the geosciences.
The core requirements encompass foundational courses in science, writing, and math, and traditional courses that form the backbone of the geosciences. Building upon these are innovative courses focused on Earth systems processes, key environmental issues, practical field experiences, and advanced geological study.
In addition to nourishing and honing the passions of students studying the Earth, the core curriculum is designed to:
- Instill key technical skills early on as a pathway to high-quality co-op opportunities
- Lay the groundwork for our students to pursue advanced graduate study in the geosciences and other disciplines
- Enable our graduates to translate marketable skills and knowledge into high-quality jobs in industry and government
Geoscience majors will begin their field experiences during the first term of their freshmen year. Most courses include a laboratory section or a hands-on recitation section ("dry lab"), plus at least three field trips to relevant regional geological sites. These courses, combined with the co-op experience and summer geological field camp, provide students real-world experience in the field.