Geology and Environmental Geoscience
Geoscientists study the Earth, including the materials that compose the planet, the processes that continuously change the planet, and the evolution of the earth and life through time. Because these studies involve investigations of relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, the Geosciences are inherently interdisciplinary by nature and include aspects of chemistry, biology, and physics. Geoscientists also are addressing increasingly challenging problems that confront a growing human population as we begin the twenty-first century: dwindling water, mineral, and energy resources; earthquake prediction and natural hazard identification; human impacts on the environment at regional and global scales; and safe disposal of toxic and radioactive waste materials. The goal of the Department of Geosciences is to expose students to the complex interplay of Earth systems through active, hands-on learning. Therefore, a DePauw education in the Geosciences goes far beyond the traditional classroom. Students work in modern laboratories with extensive mineral, rock, fossil, and map collections. They use computers to model complex systems and simulate geological processes. They receive training on emerging technological tools such as GPS (global positioning systems) and GIS (geographic information systems). They participate on field trips that take them to some of the best geological exposures in the world. Many students spend a summer working closely with faculty on important research problems using state-of-the-art instrumentation. These student-faculty collaborations commonly result in student presentations at national meetings and co-authored publications in refereed journals.
Geology and Environmental Geoscience Program Outcomes
The Geology major is intended to produce geologists with a deep understanding of solid-Earth materials, geologic time, and Earth history. Geology majors will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of Earth materials & reservoirs (e.g., minerals, rocks, soils, lithosphere, mantle, etc.);
2. understand the physical and chemical processes operating at or beneath the Earth's surface that create geological features/landforms;
3. demonstrate knowledge of geologic time and Earth history; and
4. reason and communicate spatially using maps, cross-sections, and/or scientific illustrations.
The Environmental Geoscience major is an interdisciplinary major intended to produce environmental scientists who understand basic geological principles and possess a broad understanding of environmental issues through different lenses. Environmental Geoscience majors will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of processes operating at the Earth's surface that influence environmental issues/factors;
2. demonstrate knowledge of how humans impact (and are impacted by) the Earth's environment, resources, and processes; and
3. consider and critically evaluate alternative perspectives, hypotheses, and data.
The Earth Science major is intended to produce broadly trained physical scientists who are equipped to teach in a high school physical science curriculum. Earth Science majors will be able to:
1. outline and discuss the scientific method and its application to the study of the Earth (e.g., materials, processes, & features); and
2. demonstrate knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the Earth and other planetary bodies.
Requirements for a major
Earth Science
| Total courses required | 9.0 GEOS + 2.25 CHEM/PHYS |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110, GEOS 280, GEOS 310, GEOS 350, GEOS 450 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior requirement consists of GEOS 450. The Department of Geosciences Senior Seminar provides students with the opportunity to integrate skills and expertise learned in previous coursework at DePauw as well as to prepare for opportunities after graduating from DePauw. Students first create resumes/LinkedIn profiles and then research and prepare mock applications to graduate schools and potential employers. They also explore areas of the geosciences by critically reading and analyzing the primary literature, making an oral presentation summarizing the selected manuscripts, and then leading class discussions to investigate the topic(s) in more depth. |
| Additional information | Recommended courses from which to choose:
|
| Writing in the Major | Writing is an important skill for professional geoscientists. Whether publishing the results of research in a peer-reviewed journal, communicating the findings of a consulting project to a client in a technical report, or explaining our science to the general public, geoscientists must be able to communicate their ideas with writing that is clear, concise, and accurate. Furthermore, students are able to better refine and develop their thoughts and ideas as they strive to convey their message to others in writing. To facilitate the development of these skills, all students majoring in Earth Science, Environmental Geoscience, or Geology will satisfy their Writing in the Major requirement through writing assignments in advanced 300-level courses that have a WD (Writing in the Discipline) designation. In these courses, students will develop their writing-in-the-discipline skills within the context of multiple sub-disciplines in the geosciences (a minimum of at least three 300-level courses). Students not only will have the opportunity to prepare original papers/reports for different audiences using various lab report formats (e.g., EPA-style reports, etc.), but they also may have assignments where they provide feedback for other class participants and/or iteratively revise their own work. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to 1) effectively communicate their ideas using appropriate geologic terms and concepts, 2) adapt their writing style for different audiences and for specified report formats, and 3) appropriately incorporate references and citations into their papers. |
Environmental Geoscience
| Total courses required | 10.0 GEOS + 4 in other departments |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110, GEOS 280, GEOS 310, GEOS 350, GEOS 450 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior requirement consists of GEOS 450. The Department of Geosciences Senior Seminar provides students with the opportunity to integrate skills and expertise learned in previous coursework at DePauw as well as to prepare for opportunities after graduating from DePauw. Students first create resumes/LinkedIn profiles and then research and prepare mock applications to graduate schools and potential employers. They also explore areas of the geosciences by critically reading and analyzing the primary literature, making an oral presentation summarizing the selected manuscripts, and then leading class discussions to investigate the topic(s) in more depth . |
| Additional information | Recommended courses from which to choose:
|
| Writing in the Major | Writing is an important skill for professional geoscientists. Whether publishing the results of research in a peer-reviewed journal, communicating the findings of a consulting project to a client in a technical report, or explaining our science to the general public, geoscientists must be able to communicate their ideas with writing that is clear, concise, and accurate. Furthermore, students are able to better refine and develop their thoughts and ideas as they strive to convey their message to others in writing. To facilitate the development of these skills, all students majoring in Earth Science, Environmental Geoscience, or Geology will satisfy their Writing in the Major requirement through writing assignments in advanced 300-level courses that have a WD (Writing in the Discipline) designation. In these courses, students will develop their writing-in-the-discipline skills within the context of multiple sub-disciplines in the geosciences (a minimum of at least three 300-level courses). Students not only will have the opportunity to prepare original papers/reports for different audiences using various lab report formats (e.g., EPA-style reports, etc.), but they also may have assignments where they provide feedback for other class participants and/or iteratively revise their own work. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to 1) effectively communicate their ideas using appropriate geologic terms and concepts, 2) adapt their writing style for different audiences and for specified report formats, and 3) appropriately incorporate references and citations into their papers. |
Geology
| Total courses required | 10.0 GEOS + 1.25 CHEM |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110, GEOS 280, GEOS 310, GEOS 350, GEOS 450 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Five |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior requirement consists of GEOS 450. The Department of Geosciences Senior Seminar provides students with the opportunity to integrate skills and expertise learned in previous coursework at DePauw as well as to prepare for opportunities after graduating from DePauw. Students first create resumes/LinkedIn profiles and then research and prepare mock applications to graduate schools and potential employers. They also explore areas of the geosciences by critically reading and analyzing the primary literature, making an oral presentation summarizing the selected manuscripts, and then leading class discussions to investigate the topic(s) in more depth. |
| Additional information | Recommended courses from which to choose:
|
| Writing in the Major | Writing is an important skill for professional geoscientists. Whether publishing the results of research in a peer-reviewed journal, communicating the findings of a consulting project to a client in a technical report, or explaining our science to the general public, geoscientists must be able to communicate their ideas with writing that is clear, concise, and accurate. Furthermore, students are able to better refine and develop their thoughts and ideas as they strive to convey their message to others in writing. To facilitate the development of these skills, all students majoring in Earth Science, Environmental Geoscience, or Geology will satisfy their Writing in the Major requirement through writing assignments in advanced 300-level courses that have a WD (Writing in the Discipline) designation. In these courses, students will develop their writing-in-the-discipline skills within the context of multiple sub-disciplines in the geosciences (a minimum of at least three 300-level courses). Students not only will have the opportunity to prepare original papers/reports for different audiences using various lab report formats (e.g., EPA-style reports, etc.), but they also may have assignments where they provide feedback for other class participants and/or iteratively revise their own work. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to 1) effectively communicate their ideas using appropriate geologic terms and concepts, 2) adapt their writing style for different audiences and for specified report formats, and 3) appropriately incorporate references and citations into their papers. |
Requirements for a minor
Earth Science
| Total courses required | Five |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Environmental Geoscience
| Total courses required | Seven |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110, GEOS 125, GEOS 230 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Geology
| Total courses required | Five |
|---|---|
| Core courses | GEOS 110 |
| Other required courses | At least four additional GEOS course credits, including at least one at the 300 level or above. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |