Earth and Planetary Sciences
2018-19 Catalog
A232 Earth and Marine Sciences Building
(831) 459-4089
https://eps.ucsc.edu
Program Description
The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department teaches and conducts research in a wide array of topics. We seek to answer questions such as:
How did the Earth form? How has it evolved since then? What makes up the interior of the Earth? How were Earth’s ocean and atmosphere generated, and how have they changed through time?
What is the history of life on Earth? What are the causes and effects of past mass extinctions?
How do mountain ranges form? What causes earthquakes? What causes island chains to form? What controls the evolution of glaciers? How do we prevent coastal erosion? How well can we predict tsunamis?
What has Earth’s climate been like in the past? How will climate change in the future? What changes are likely in Earth’s atmospheric properties?
What controls the supply and quality of our freshwater resources?
How are other planets in our solar system different from Earth? How did they evolve to their present state? How have the impacts of asteroids on Earth and other planets affected their evolution?
A variety of methods and tools are used to help us address these questions. Geologists examine rocks and geologic formations in order to understand the processes that control their formation and evolution. Geochemists and mineralogists examine the chemical and mineral composition of rocks, sediments, and fossils using a variety of sophisticated analytical instruments. Geophysicists use seismometers to not only record earthquakes, but also to learn about the deeper parts of the Earth, which are studied in tandem using high-pressure experiments. Environmental scientists collect samples of the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, and the oceans, sometimes requiring the use of aircraft and ships. Spacecraft have visited and explored all of the planets in our solar system. Space-based satellites have provided a massive amount of data about Earth over the past few decades. Scientists from all disciplines use computer models to help them understand these complex systems.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers a number of degrees that teach undergraduate and graduate students the knowledge and skills necessary to address these and many other questions. Along with the standard Earth sciences major, we offer degrees with concentrations in environmental geology, geology, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences. We also offer combined majors with environmental studies and anthropology. A minor in Earth sciences is also available. We offer courses across a wide range of topics, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their interests. Courses are comprised of not only classroom lectures, but frequently field trips, laboratories, and computer exercises are involved. Many related courses are offered by other departments such as Ocean Sciences, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Astronomy and Astrophysics. The university capstone requirement is often fulfilled by attending the departmental field camp, or by completing a senior research thesis, but other choices are also possible.
Graduates of our department continue on to a variety of careers, such as:
- Business and industry
- Geological and environmental consulting
- Governmental agencies at the federal, state, and local level
- Non-profit organizations
- Research at universities, governmental research institutions, or other scientific agencies
- Graduate/professional school in areas such as science, engineering, teaching, law, public health, business
For more information about the people in the department, their areas of interest, departmental facilities, contact e-mails and phone numbers, and how to apply to join our department as an undergraduate or graduate student, please see our website.
Academic Advising
A student who wants to become an Earth sciences major should contact the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department undergraduate staff adviser as soon as possible. Students will submit a declaration of major petition, and are recommended to meet with the undergraduate adviser to plan his or her program in detail. Relevant courses taken at UCSC or other institutions may be substituted for degree requirements by approved petition. Please see the undergraduate adviser for the substitution petition form and more information about this process.
Bachelor of Science Degree
The bachelor of science (B.S.) program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in Earth and planetary sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at UCSC. In addition to providing comprehensive preparation in the basic physical sciences, and particular breadth and depth in Earth and planetary sciences, the curriculum is structured to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace.
The core of the major includes calculus, physics, chemistry, and a group of comprehensive Earth and planetary sciences courses. For the standard B.S., students then select at least six additional courses from a diverse list of upper-division electives, with at least two that involve significant laboratory or field data acquisition and analysis. These electives, often in combination with additional upper-division courses from this and related departments, provide the student with expertise in one or more subdisciplines within Earth sciences.
Elective distributions can be designed to emphasize earthquake and faulting studies, Earth surface processes, Earth system sciences, geologic hazards, geology, crustal and deep-Earth geophysics, marine geophysics, and water resources. Four formal concentrations, all with specific course requirements and leading to an Earth and planetary sciences B.S., are available: geology, environmental geology, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences. A senior comprehensive experience (senior thesis, geologic field camp, or intensive capstone course) is required of all majors.
Qualifying for the Major
We recommend that you consult with the department’s undergraduate staff adviser to discuss options for degree concentrations and coursework priorities before you start the process of officially declaring your major. To declare the Earth sciences majors (including all concentrations within the major), a student must complete (with a minimum grade of C) one of the following introductory courses in physical geology:
EART 5, California Geology
EART 10, Geologic Principles
EART 20, Environmental Geology
Transfer students may take an approved substitution for one of the above courses.
Students who qualify start the declaration process by submitting a petition to the department staff adviser.
Transfer Students
The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department welcomes applications from community college students who are prepared to enter as junior-level Earth science majors. Transfer students planning to major in Earth and planetary sciences are strongly recommended to complete all lower-division mathematics and science pre-requisites appropriate to their concentration of interest.
For example, students planning to major in Earth sciences with a Planetary Science Concentration are encouraged to complete the equivalents to the following courses (including the associated laboratory components):
- Chemistry (CHEM) 1A, General Chemistry
- CHEM 1B and CHEM 1M, General Chemistry and Lab
- CHEM 1C and CHEM 1N, General Chemistry and Lab
- Mathematics (MATH) 11A and MATH 11B, Calculus with Application, or MATH 19A and MATH 19B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Physics (PHYS) 6A and PHYS 6L, Introductory Physics I with Lab
- PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, Introductory Physics II with Lab
- EART 5 and EART 5L, or EART 10 and EART 10L or EART 20 and EART 20L
Students planning to transfer to UCSC as an Earth sciences major from a California community college should reference assist.org to determine which courses are equivalent to these required courses. Having this coursework completed prior to transferring allows students greater flexibility in scheduling and completing their major. Transfer students planning on attending UCSC to pursue an Earth and planetary sciences major should contact the undergraduate adviser for transfer preparation information.
Letter Grade Policy
All courses used to satisfy requirements for any of the Earth and planetary science majors must be taken for a letter grade with the exception of the following courses, which may be taken Pass/No Pass: EART 195 Senior Thesis, EART 198 Internship, EART 199 Tutorial. Combined majors (Earth sciences/anthropology and Earth sciences/environmental studies) are currently exempt from this policy.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major’s upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) general education requirement. All majors described below require students to complete a minimum of two (2) courses from the list of courses that in combination satisfies the DC general education requirement. Courses taken to satisfy the DC requirement may also satisfy upper-division elective or senior comprehensive requirements. Consult one of the Earth and Planetary Sciences advisers for the most up-to-date list of scheduled classes. Currently the list (subject to change) consists of:
EART 100, Vertebrate PaleontologyEART 101, Invertebrate Paleobiology
EART 102, Marine Geology
EART 104, Geologic Hazards
EART 109, Field Geology
EART 120, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
EART 140, Geomorphology
EART 146, Ground Water
EART 148, Glaciology
EART 150, Structural Geology
EART 160, Planetary Science
EART 189B, Summer Field Internship
EART 191A, Climate Change Science and Policy
EART 195, Senior Thesis
Students in the combined Earth Sciences/Anthropology major may, in addition choose their courses to satisfy the DC requirement from the following Anthropology (ANTH) offerings: ANTH 100, 170, 194B, 194L, and 194Y.
Comprehensive Requirement (B.S.) for Earth Science, Environmental Geology, Planetary, and Ocean Science Concentrations
All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement. To do so, each student in these majors must complete one of the following options:
1) Satisfactory completion of EART 189A, Summer Field Internship, and EART 189B, GIS with Applications in the Earth Sciences.
2) Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis, which must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after an agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it (at least three quarters in advance of completion). Students may take EART 199, Independent Study, as part of performing the research for their senior thesis. It is required that each student enroll in and pass EART 195, Senior Thesis, in the academic quarter during which they complete their thesis.
3) Satisfactory completion of one of the following course offerings: EART 191A, Climate Change and Policy (was EART 191); EART 191B, Planetary Science Capstone (was EART 193); and EART 191C, Geophysical Capstone (was EART 112). Other capstone courses in the 191 series may also be added in the future.
4) Other options such as external field/research experiences may be suitable by permission of the faculty adviser. Please meet with an adviser if you have an idea to propose.
The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the Senior Comprehensive Requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an adviser if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed Comprehensive Requirement activity.
Comprehensive Requirement (B.S.) for Geology Concentration
All students must satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement. To do so, each student in the Geology Concentration must complete EART 189A, Summer Field Internship, and EART 189B, GIS with Applications in the Earth Sciences.
The intent of this requirement is to synthesize knowledge and skills from a student’s undergraduate career and to provide the instructional hours in the field needed to prepare students for the California Professional Geologist licensing requirements. Therefore, prior to completing an activity to satisfy the Senior Comprehensive Requirement, students should have already completed EART 110A, one of EART 110B or EART 110C, and three other upper-division courses that fulfill major requirements. Students should consult an adviser if they have any questions about the timing of their proposed Comprehensive Requirement activity.
Requirements for the Standard Earth Sciences Major (B.S.)
Required Lower-Division Courses
CHEM 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N
MATH 11A and 11B or 19A and 19B, or Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) 15A and 15B; and MATH 22 or 23A, or EART 111
PHYS 6A/L and 6B/M
EART 5/L, or 10/L, or 20/L
Required Upper-Division Courses
EART 110A and EART 110L, EART 110B and EART 110M, and EART 110C and EART 110N
At least six elective courses (5+ credits each) from upper-division Earth sciences or ocean sciences offerings must be completed. EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
Two or more of the upper-division electives must be selected from courses with an intensive field/laboratory/data analysis component. The following courses satisfy this requirement:
EART 107, 109, 112, 116, 119, 120, 125, 130, 140, 142, 146, 148, 150, 189A, 189B.
Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.
Two or more courses must also be completed in from the list of courses that satisfy the DC requirement, as described above.
Students also complete the senior comprehensive requirement as described above.
Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests. The following are examples of suggested elective distributions that develop expertise in important areas (an asterisk (*) indicates that the course satisfies the laboratory or field data acquisition/analysis requirement).
Earth system sciences. Focuses on terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric processes and their relations through time; may include paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental dynamics, global change issues, and surface geological processes such as weathering, erosion, and hydrology: EART 100/L, 101/L, 102, 107, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 120/L*, 121, 124, 125, 128, 129, 148*, 191A, 208, OCEA 102, 120
Earthquake and faulting studies. Focuses on crustal deformation and faulting processes and related phenomena such as plate motions, earthquakes, and stress in the lithosphere: EART 109/L*, 118, 119*, 150/L*, 162, 168*, 172
Geologic hazards. Focuses on Earth processes that impact society, including earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal erosion, and landslides: EART 104, 105, 106, 107, 109/L*, 116*, 118, 140/L*, 142*, 146*
Geology. Emphasizes a traditional broad background with field skills, rock genesis and interpretation, and structural relations: EART 109/L*, 120/L*, 127, 130/L*, 134, 140/L*, 150/L*
Geophysics. Develops breadth in geophysical techniques, composition and structure of Earth’s deep interior, and gravitational and magnetic fields: EART 118, 119*, 150/L*, 160, 162, 168*, 172
Marine geophysics. Emphasizes a breadth of geological and geophysical background for continuing study of the processes involved in the growth, evolution, and destruction of the ocean floor and margins: EART 107, 146*, 150/L*, 152, 168*
Surface processes. Emphasizes understanding the fluxes of energy, water, mass, and chemicals within and across Earth’s surface and the relations to climatic and tectonic forcing processes: EART 107, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 120/L*, 127, 128, 140/L*, 142*, 146*, 148*, 163, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology (METX) 144
Water resources. Focuses on water resources quality and quantity and relations between climate and water in and on the crust: EART 105, 106, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 121, 140/L*, 142*, 146*, 148*, METX 144, OCEA 120
Standard Earth Sciences B.S. Major Planner
Students planning a professional career in the Earth and planetary sciences should take more than the minimum number of courses required for the major if possible. Four-year students have ample flexibility to take additional electives if they begin with the required courses in their second year. Junior transfers also have flexibility if they have taken most of their preparatory courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics before entry. Further advice can be obtained from the undergraduate adviser and from faculty members.
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
CHEM 1A |
MATH 11A |
EART 10/L |
|
CHEM 1B/M |
CHEM 1C/N |
||
|
2nd |
EART 110A/L* |
EART 110B/M* |
|
|
MATH 23A |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
|
3rd |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
|
EART elective |
|
|
4th |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART 189A* |
|
(sr thesis only) |
(sr thesis only) |
|
|
|
EART elective |
|
|
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.
Sample Transfer (Two-Year) Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other than PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
EART 111 |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
2nd |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
EART 189A* |
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.Requirements for the Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Geology (B.S.)
Required Lower-Division Courses
CHEM 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
MATH 11A-B or 19A-B, or AMS 15A-B; and MATH 22 or 23A, or EART 111
PHYS 6A/L and 6B/M
EART 5/L, or 10/L, or 20/L
Required Upper-Division Courses
EART 109/L, 110A/L, 110B/M, and 110C/N
At least two courses from the following list of Earth Sciences offerings: 120/L, 130/L, 140/L and 150/L.
At least three additional elective courses (5+ credits each) from upper-division Earth sciences or ocean sciences offerings must be completed. EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
Two or more courses must also be completed in from the list of courses that satisfy the DC requirement, as described above.
Students are required to complete Earth Sciences 189A and 189B to satisfy their senior comprehensive requirement.
Note: Courses used to satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement cannot also be used to fulfill the upper-division elective requirement.
Earth Sciences (Geology) B.S. Major Planner
Students planning a professional career in the Earth and planetary sciences should take more than the minimum number of courses required for the major if possible. Four-year students have ample flexibility to take additional electives if they begin with the required courses in their second year. Junior transfers also have flexibility if they have taken most of their preparatory courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics before entry. Further advice can be obtained from the undergraduate adviser and from faculty members.
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
CHEM 1A |
MATH 11A |
EART 10/L |
|
CHEM 1B/M |
CHEM 1C/N |
||
|
2nd |
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
EART 109/L |
|
MATH 23A |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
|
3rd |
EART 140/L |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
|
|
EART 120/L |
|
|
4th |
EART 150/L |
EART 140/L |
EART 189A* |
* Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
Sample Two-Year Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
EART 111 |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
2nd
|
EART 150/L |
EART 140/L |
EART 120/L |
|
EART 109/L |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
|
|
|
EART 189A* |
*Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Environmental Geology (B.S.)
The environmental geology concentration is designed to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways involving interdisciplinary study of the environment with a geological emphasis. Additional biology and environmental studies courses are required for this concentration along with other distributions of upper-division requirements and electives.
Required Lower-Division Courses
EART 20/L or 10/L or 5/L
Environmental Studies (ENVS) 25
Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOE) BIOE 20C
CHEM 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N
MATH 11A and 11B or 19A and 19B, or AMS 15A and 15B
PHYS 6A/L and 6B/M
Required Upper-Division Courses
Earth Sciences 110A/L and 110B/M
At least four elective courses (5+ credits each) from upper-division Earth sciences or ocean sciences courses must be completed. Earth Sciences 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
At least two courses must be completed from the list of courses that satisfy the DC requirement. See above for the full list.
Two additional upper-division electives are required, preferably with environmental topics from biology, chemistry, Earth and planetary sciences, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, or ocean sciences. Courses may simultaneously satisfy both the upper-division elective and DC requirements. Earth Sciences 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
Students also complete a senior comprehensive requirement from the list described above.
Earth Sciences (Environmental Geology) B.S. Major Planner
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
CHEM 1A |
EART 20/L |
MATH 11B
or 19B |
|
MATH 11A |
CHEM 1C/N |
||
|
CHEM 1B/M |
|
||
|
2nd |
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
|
|
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
||
|
3rd |
BIOE 20C |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
EART elective |
ENVS 25 |
|
|
|
4th |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
Senior thesis |
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.
Sample Two-Year Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and ENVS 25.
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
EART elective |
|
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
EART elective |
|
|
2nd |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
EART elective |
ENVS 25 |
EART 189A* |
|
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
|
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Ocean Sciences (B.S.)
The ocean sciences concentration is intended to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways that include oceanography and biogeochemistry. Additional biology and chemistry courses are required for this concentration along with other distributions of upper-division requirements and electives.
Required Lower-Division Courses
EART 5/L or 10/L, or 20/L
BIOE 20C
CHEM 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N
MATH 11A and 11B or 19A and 19B, or AMS 15A and 15B
MATH 22 or 23A or EART 111
PHYS 6A/L and 6B/M
Required Upper-Division Courses
EART 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N, OCEA 101 or 102
At least four elective courses (5+ credits each) chosen from upper-division Earth Sciences or Ocean Sciences courses must be completed. EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Choosing from the following list is recommended, but not mandatory: EART 101/L, 102, 105, 107, 109/L, 111, 116, 119, 120/L, 121, 128, 130/L, 148, 172; OCEA 101, 102, 118, 120, 130, 200, 220, 260.
At least two courses must be completed from the list of courses that satisfy the DC requirement. See above for the full list
Students also complete a comprehensive requirement from the list described above. For those choosing a thesis, a topic emphasizing ocean sciences is recommended.
Earth Sciences (Ocean Sciences) B.S. Major Planner
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
CHEM 1A |
CHEM 1B/M |
EART 10/L |
|
MATH 11A |
CHEM 1C/N |
||
|
MATH 11B |
|||
|
2nd |
EART 110A/L* |
EART 110B/M* |
EART 110C/N |
|
MATH 23A |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
|
3rd |
EART elective |
OCEA 101 |
EART elective |
|
BIOE 20C |
EART elective |
||
|
4th |
(Sr thesis only) |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
(Sr thesis only) |
Senior thesis |
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.
Sample Two-Year Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
EART 111 |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
EART 110A/L |
EART 110B/M |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
2nd |
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
EART elective |
OCEA 101 |
EART 189A* |
|
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
|
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.
Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Planetary Sciences (B.S.)
The planetary sciences concentration is designed to provide students with a quantitative background appropriate for career pathways in the interdisciplinary study of planets and their satellites. The upper-division elective courses can be tailored for students interested in planetary interiors, atmospheres, and/or surfaces.
Required Lower-Division Courses
EART 10/L (preferred). or 5/L, or 20/L
CHEM 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N
MATH 19A and 19B (preferred) or 11A and 11B, or AMS 15A and 15B
MATH 22; or 23A; or EART 111
PHYS 6A/L, 6B/M
Required Upper-Division Courses
EART 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N, 119, 160
One elective from the following Earth Sciences courses: 162, 163, 164, 165
At least three electives (5+ credits each) from upper-division Earth Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Astronomy (ASTR) 112 or ASTR 118, or MATH 130 must be completed. EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Choosing from the following list is recommended but not mandatory: EART 107, 109/L, 116, 121, 128, 130/L, 140/L, 148, 150/L, 152, 162, 163, 164, 165, 172, 209, 210; (ASTR) 112, 118; MATH 130.
At least two courses must be completed from the list of courses that satisfy the DC requirement. See above for the full list.
Students also complete the comprehensive requirement from the list described above. For those choosing a thesis, a topic emphasizing planetary sciences is recommended.
Earth Sciences (Planetary Sciences) B.S. Major Planner
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
MATH 19A |
MATH 19B |
EART 10/L |
|
CHEM 1A |
CHEM 1B/M |
CHEM 1C/N |
|
|
2nd |
EART 110A/L* |
EART 110B/M* |
EART 110C/N |
|
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
EART elective |
|
|
MATH 23A |
|
||
|
3rd |
EART 160 |
EART 119 |
EART elective |
|
4th |
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
Sr thesis |
|
EART 162 |
EART elective |
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.
Sample Two-Year Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements other PHYS 6A and PHYS 6L, PHYS 6B and PHYS 6M, and advanced math.
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
EART 111 |
PHYS 6A/L |
PHYS 6B/M |
|
EART 110A/L* |
EART 110B/M* |
EART 110C/N |
|
|
2nd |
EART 160 |
EART 162 |
EART 119 |
|
EART elective |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
EART 189A* |
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and EART 109L, EART 110A and EART 110L, and EART 110B and EART 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.
Combined Major in Environmental Studies/Earth Sciences (B.A.)
The combined major in environmental studies and Earth sciences is designed to provide enhanced exposure to geological concepts and processes for students emphasizing environmental policy and social science topics. Students are advised to plan carefully and to contact academic advisers in both the Environmental Studies and Earth and Planetary Sciences Departments early if they have questions. For the requirements of the combined environmental studies/Earth sciences bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree, see the environmental studies program description.
Combined Major in Earth Sciences/Anthropology (B.A.)
The Earth sciences/anthropology combined major is intended for students with interests in Earth sciences and the laboratory-based aspect of anthropology. These include anthropology students interested in archaeology or paleoanthropology who desire more intensive training in natural sciences and Earth sciences students interested in paleobiology or archaeology. The combined major provides a rigorous training in both anthropology and Earth sciences and will permit students to enter graduate programs in Earth sciences, archaeology, or paleoanthropology. The combined major has a significantly different set of cognate science and required lower- and upper-division courses than the standard major; therefore, students are advised to plan carefully and to contact academic advisers in the Earth and Planetary Sciences and Anthropology Departments early if they have questions.
Required Lower-Division Courses
ANTH 1, 2, and 3
EART 5/L, or 10/L, or 20/L
MATH 11A and 11B, 19A and 19B
Five lower-division science courses (plus laboratories) chosen from the following:
BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C
CHEM 1A, 1B/M, 1C/N
PHYS 6A/L, 6B/M
Required Upper-Division Courses
EART 110A/L
At least three elective courses (5+ credits) from upper-division Earth Sciences offerings must be completed. EART 198 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
Any four five- to seven-credit upper-division electives listed under the Anthropology Department’s Physical Anthropology and Archaeology Courses subdivision.
At least two courses that are part of the DC requirement must be completed as part of the required upper-division courses. Earth Sciences courses that are part of the DC curriculum are: 100, 101, 102, 104, 109, 120, 140, 146, 148, 150, 160, 189B (formerly 188A), 191A, 195; Anthropology courses are: 100, 170, 194B, 194L, and 194Y). Courses may simultaneously satisfy both the DC requirement and the upper-division Earth Sciences or Anthropology elective requirement.Comprehensive Requirement
One of the following:
Satisfactory completion of Anthropology 194-series (any senior seminar in physical anthropology or archaeology).
Satisfactory completion of EART 189A and 189B*, Geographic Information Systems with Applications in Earth Sciences and Summer Field Internship.
Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis (EART 195) with faculty readers from both departments, which must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after agreement is obtained from faculty members to supervise it (at least three quarters in advance of completion).
Satisfactory completion of a 5-credit internship (EART 198) under the guidance of an on-site supervisor, with coordination and prior approval of the Earth and Planetary Science Department’s internship director. The project must include a comprehensive final written report.
* EART 189A and 189B has as prerequisites EART 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M.
Earth Sciences/Anthropology Combined Major Planner
Sample Four-Year Planner
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
ANTH 1 |
ANTH 2 |
ANTH 3 |
|
EART 10/L |
|||
|
2nd |
CHEM/PHYS/BIO 1 |
MATH 11A |
MATH 11B |
|
CHEM/PHYS/BIO 2 |
CHEM/PHYS/BIO 3 |
ANTH elective |
|
|
3rd |
EART 110A/L |
EART elective |
ANTH elective |
|
CHEM/PHYS/BIO 4 |
CHEM/PHYS/BIO 5 |
EART elective |
|
|
4th |
ANTH elective |
EART elective |
ANTH elective |
|
Sr comp |
Sr comp |
Sr comp |
Sample Two-Year Planner
This planner assumes that students have completed all lower-division requirements except ANTH 1 and EART 5 and 5L, or 10 and 10L, or 20 and 20L.
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
ANTH 1 |
EART elective |
EART elective |
|
EART 5/L |
ANTH elective |
ANTH elective |
|
|
2nd |
ANTH elective |
ANTH elective |
ANTH 194+ or ANTH 196+ or EART 189A* or sr thesis (EART 195)† |
|
EART 110A/L* |
EART elective |
|
|
|
(Sr thesis only) |
(Sr thesis only) |
|
*Students who wish to complete their capstone with EART 189A/ EART 189B should be aware that the following courses are prerequisites: EART 109 and 109L, EART 110A and 110L, and EART 110B and 110M. Students must also complete EART 189B in summer to fulfill the summer field capstone.
+Satisfactory completion of ANTH 194 or ANTH 196-series (any senior seminar in physical anthropology or archaeology) fulfills the capstone.
†Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are required to contact the department at least three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require at least two or three quarters for completion.
Honors
Honors in the major (all concentrations) and in the combined major with anthropology are determined by a review of grades (typically 3.50 or above) at the time a student applies for graduation. A faculty committee makes the decision based on the quality of all coursework, but especially in the courses required for the major. Extra coursework or independent study as well as more intensive or rigorous coursework and the quality of a capstone project may also be taken into consideration. Honors in the combined major with environmental studies are evaluated by the Environmental Studies Department. Highest honors may also be awarded in exceptional cases when a student’s overall grade point average (GPA) is above 3.75 and performance in the senior capstone requirement is equally outstanding. The department reserves the right to withhold honors and highest honors based on other criteria, such as an incident of academic dishonesty.
Honors on the senior thesis are determined independently of major honors, and must be approved by two faculty readers.
Keys to Success in the Major
Achieving success in the Earth Sciences major is strongly correlated with successfully taking the required foundation classes and their associated 2-credit laboratories,
Eart 110A/L, Evolution of the Earth;
Eart 110B/M, Earth as a Chemical System.
If you are unsuccessful in passing your first attempt at these classes, past experience suggests that you might have difficulty successfully completing this major. We strongly recommend that you seek advising from the department or your college adviser. Two failures of one of these required gateway classes (or associated lab) are likely to preclude completion of the major.
EPS Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.S. in Earth and planetary sciences (all concentrations) should be able to:
- understand the processes governing the properties and evolution of Earth's interior and surface;
- identify rocks and minerals, and describe their connection to geologic processes;
- utilize algebraic mathematical tools to quantitatively address questions in the geosciences; and
- write in a clear, organized, and logical fashion using disciplinary standards for reporting and citation.
See the table below for a summary of the courses involved in the introduction, development, and assessment of each Program Learning Outcome (PLO). The table summarizes program learning outcomes and the courses where they are introduced/developed (D) and assessed (A).
| Program Learning Outcome Number | ||||
| EART Course Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 or 10 or 20 | D | D | ||
| 5L or 10L or 20L | D | D | ||
| 110A (problem sets) | D | |||
| 110A (midterm, short essay questions) | D | |||
| 110A (midterm, quantitative questions) | D | |||
| 110A (final, short essay questions) | A | |||
| 110A (final, quantitative questions) | A | |||
| 110L (lab reports) | D | D | ||
| 110B (lectures) | D | |||
| 110M (weekly quizzes) | D | |||
| 110M (final practical assessment) | A | |||
| 110B (final examination, rock identification) | A | |||
| First to penultimate DC course (final paper) | D | |||
| Last DC course taken (final paper) | A | |||
Minor Requirements
Students can earn a minor in Earth sciences by taking Earth Sciences 5/L or 10/L or 20/L and five upper-division Earth sciences courses. Courses offering fewer than 5 credits (such as Earth Sciences 190 or 2-credit laboratories and independent studies) may not be counted toward the minor requirements, although additional coursework is always encouraged.
Graduate Program
The graduate program in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department is designed to prepare students for research, industry, consulting, teaching, and numerous other career paths, including business and law. The aim is to develop habits of critical analysis and thorough documentation; skills in quantitative field, computational, and/or laboratory research; and proficiency in one or more fields of research. The fundamental requirements for admission to the program are substantial evidence of superior scholarship, dedication and determination to do quality work, and aptitude for original research. Preparation in the basic sciences equivalent to the requirements for the Earth sciences bachelor’s degree at UCSC is expected and, for non-undergraduate Earth sciences majors, achieving breadth of knowledge across the Earth and planetary sciences is expected. Excellent scholars from other disciplines, including chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, or astronomy are both eligible and encouraged to apply. Gaps in knowledge can be made up through coursework. Prospective students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and have the scores sent electronically to the UCSC Division of Graduate Studies. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
UCSC awards both the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The M.S. degree may be the terminal degree for some seeking careers in industry, government, and teaching at the secondary level. It may also be an initial step toward the Ph.D. degree, in which the student gains knowledge and confidence in carrying out and completing a more complex scientific project.
Graduate Program in Earth Sciences (Ph.D.)
Thesis Ph.D. Track. In their first year, all thesis-track graduate students register for courses 203, Introductory Teaching Seminar; 204, Earth and Planetary Sciences Foundation; 206, Great Papers in the Earth Sciences; and, in consultation with the graduate advising committee, choose at least one subject course focusing on specific Earth and planetary sciences content and one course focusing on quantitative analysis (from a list in the EPS Graduate Handbook). In subsequent years, all students participate in EART 293, Graduate Research Seminar. Other course requirements are tailored to the individual student’s academic background, professional experience, and plans for research. No specific number of course credits is required for the Ph.D., but ordinarily students put more of their effort into coursework during the first year of graduate study. It is recommended that all thesis-track graduate students attain some teaching experience while at UCSC.
Before the start of fall quarter, each first-year thesis track student must meet with their faculty adviser to determine a customized course list designed to improve breadth and enable research goals. Immediately afterwards, a meeting is scheduled with the graduate program director to finalize and approve this initial discussion with a written study plan. Yearly academic review meetings will then reassess the student's progress in completing these courses and independent research, initially with the primary adviser but eventually with a reading committee.
To qualify for candidacy in the Ph.D. program, each student must pass an oral examination in his or her area of specialization by the end of their third year of graduate study (second year if entering with a master's degree), although students are strongly encouraged to take the examination earlier. The examination is based on a research proposal presenting one or more specific questions to be researched by the student in the course of completing their Ph.D. thesis. Students are expected to have in-depth knowledge of fields relevant to the proposal, including familiarity with the professional literature.
The Ph.D. dissertation is a scholarly contribution to knowledge that embodies the results of original and creative effort by the student. Students are urged to prepare their dissertations for publication in peer-reviewed professional journals. A public oral defense of the thesis is required prior to completion of the Ph.D.
Graduate Program in Earth Sciences (M.S.)
Plan 1 Thesis M.S. Track. In their first year, all thesis-track graduate students register for courses 203, Introductory Teaching Seminar; 204, Earth and Planetary Sciences Foundation; 206, Great Papers in the Earth Sciences; and, in consultation with the graduate advising committee, choose at least one subject course focusing on specific Earth and planetary sciences content and one course focusing on quantitative analysis (from a list in the EPS Graduate Handbook). In subsequent years, all students participate in course 293, Graduate Research Seminar. Other course requirements are tailored to the individual student’s academic background, professional experience, and plans for research. Master’s degree students must take a minimum of 35 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses (at least 20 of which are graduate-level and not including Earth Science 297, Independent Research) including the courses mentioned above. It is recommended that all thesis-track graduate students attain some teaching experience while at UCSC.
Before the start of fall quarter, each first-year thesis track student must meet with their faculty adviser to determine a customized course list designed to improve breadth and enable research goals. Immediately afterwards, a meeting is scheduled with the graduate program director to finalize and approve this initial discussion with a written study plan. Yearly academic review meetings with the primary adviser will then reassess the student's progress in completing these courses and independent research.
The M.S. thesis is a scholarly contribution consisting of results of an original research project by the student. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare their results for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. The M.S. thesis must be completed by the end of the third year after entering the program, and students are strongly encouraged to complete their thesis earlier and to present the results of this work publicly.
Plan 2 Coursework M.S. Track. The coursework M.S. track is a professional program designed to allow students to increase their breadth, quantitative depth, or emphasis on a particular specialty; to provide the student with a stronger background toward competition for jobs or an enhancement of skills for current employment (e.g., K–14 teaching); and to allow students from other disciplines (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, environmental studies) to acquire advanced training in Earth and planetary sciences. Prior to the first quarter of study, students meet with their faculty adviser to develop a study plan of at least nine 5-credit courses, and a statement of objectives. Of these courses, only one can be from the EART 280-290 series, and at least 20 credits must come from graduate courses numbered 200-279. One of the nine courses can be an independent study involving a focused research project. It is expected that the course plan will comprise a minimum of 45 quarter credits at the graduate-level and quantitative, upper-division, undergraduate-level elective courses. The course plan must be approved by the graduate representative.
Coursework M.S. students are required to fulfill one of the following capstone options: a substantial review/research manuscript or a comprehensive oral examination based on their coursework.
There is no foreign-language requirement for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree other than demonstrated proficiency in English.
Details regarding admission to graduate standing, financial aid, examinations, and the requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available from the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department graduate studies webpage. Additional details can be found at the UCSC Division of Graduate Studies.
Revised: 07/15/18
