Plans of Study 2005 and Prior
Click here to view recommended Plans of Study for students who began their majors 2005 or before.
New Plans of Study 2007
If you are an EAS major in the EAS 2006 Pilot Program, please see your advisor for your specific core requirements. |
Atmospheric Science Major
Atmospheric Science includes the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere; and many of the interactions between the atmosphere, solid earth, and oceans.
The undergraduate Atmospheric Science curriculum includes not only core courses in atmospheric science, but also complementary exposure to mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Thus, graduates are prepared to enter the work force in specialties such as weather forecasting, climate modeling, and air pollution as well as to further their education by pursuing graduate degrees.
Curriculum Plan (PDF)
What are the possibilities in Atmospheric Science?
Weather Forecasting
These recommended plans of study are intended to prepare the student for a career in weather forecasting or for graduate work in appropriate atmospheric science specialties:
If a student is planning to work for the National Weather Service or wants the option to work for the federal government upon graduation, it is recommended that students select courses on this plan of study to meet both Federal Civil Service and 2005 AMS Guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
If a student is planning to work in Broadcasting (media) or wants that option, this plan of study is recommended to meet 2005 AMS guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
If a student is planning to work in a Business-Related career (e.g. a meteorologist for a private company), it is recommended that students select courses on the following plan of study to meet the 2005 AMS Guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
Environmental
If a student is planning to work in Environmental Monitoring or wants that option upon graduation, the following plan of study is recommended to meet 2005 AMS guidelines. One example: If a student wants to combine an interest in basic atmospheric science with a desire to explore the chemical processes associated with such contemporary problems as ozone depletion, air pollution, or climate change, there will be a number of career paths open to them, including employment opportunities with government and private sector organizations interested in these issues, or continued study of atmospheric science as a graduate student.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
Graduate School/Research
If a student is planning to attend Graduate School, work in Research, or wants one of these options, the following plan of study is recommended and will meet 2005 AMS guidelines.
Areas of research include but are not limited to the theoretical foundations for the dynamics of atmospheric motion systems and the mathematical constructs required to expose those theories, as well as their applications to weather phenomena on different spatial and temporal scales and the physical processes in the atmosphere that attend the formation of clouds and precipitation, the transfer of solar and terrestrial radiation, and in situ and remote measurements of atmospheric parameters, or the design of such instruments.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
Earth/Space Science Teaching Major
Science education is asking the questions, searching for answers, and inspiring students to learn about and prepare for stewardship of their world. The earth/space science teaching program provides a broad earth science core; a strong background in math, chemistry, and physics; and courses in education covering student development, integration of content and teaching methods, use of technology, fostering community, and assessing outcomes. All of which help prepare students to teach in junior high/middle/secondary schools (grades 5-12) and meet the requirements set by the University-wide Teacher Education Council.
Curriculum Plan (PDF)
Geology & Geophysics Major
Geology is the study of the internal structure, materials, chemical/physical processes, and physical/biological history of the earth. Students of geology encounter science in the broadest sense because geology involves the application of principles of physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry as well as many aspects of engineering and environmental sciences.
Because the scope of geology is broad, specialized branches have evolved. For example, geomorphologists investigate the nature and origin of land forms by studying the causes and effects of dynamic earth processes; structural geologists are concerned with the arrangement of rock masses in the earth's crust and the types of forces that have affected them; and stratigraphers investigate the thickness, geometry, and distribution of layered rocks to understand the chronology of geologic events.
Geologists also may specialize as economic geologists who explore the earth for various kinds of mineral deposits and supervise their development. Others may become ground-water geologists concerned with the distribution, movement, and chemical quality of our precious underground water supply. Many have become petroleum geologists who explore for and develop deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, and other earth resource materials. Another area that appeals to many geology majors is environmental geology, in which geological skills are required to help predict, avoid, or mitigate problems connected with pollution, urban development, and geologic hazards such as flooding and excessive erosion.
Students completing the B.S. curriculum in Geology & Geophysics will be prepared to undertake graduate studies for advanced degrees or enter a variety of careers related to several specialty areas. Students work with an academic counselor and a faculty advisor to select elective courses within the Geology & Geophysics major to focus their own study on areas such as:
Curriculum Plan (PDF)
What are the possibilities in Geology & Geophysics?
Environmental
Using a background in geology as their foundation, students can use an
interdisciplinary approach to study ground-water contamination, landfill
management, landslide risk, urban planning, and many other contemporary
environmental issues. Environmental scientists must develop quantitative problem-solving skills acquired in an educational framework that couples their geological background with basic principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to meet the challenges facing the environment. Environmental employment areas include science, engineering, and consulting, particularly on decisions regarding environmental public policy. There are also many opportunities for graduate education in these areas.
Paleontology and Paleoecology
Paleontology is the study of fossils, with the aim of discerning the nature, occurrence, and evolution of life throughout geologic time. Paleoecology deals with the relationship between fossil organisms and their inferred environments. Coursework in this area emphasizes methods by which data derived from fossils can be interpreted and applied to geologic and biologic problems.
Recommended Courses (PDF)
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Petrology
Mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry use concepts from disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and mathematics to help clarify geological phenomena and problems. In general, the problems are directly related to the basic materials comprising the earth, namely, the origin and occurrence of minerals, rocks, and ore deposits.
Engineering Geology
Engineering geology involves the use of geological data, techniques, and principles to interpret the geologic factors affecting the planning, design, and safety of engineering projects. Engineering geology work includes studies related to site location and investigation; environmental assessment; design recommendations; construction, monitoring, and maintenance of engineering structures such as dams, tunnels, bridges, buildings, mines, cut slopes in rocks, quarries, etc.; and analysis of the geology of urban areas. Students interested in engineering geology should also consider the Environmental Geosciences curriculum.
Hydrogeology
The hydrogeologist is called on to assess an area for groundwater development potential for domestic, industrial, or agricultural supply. His or her skills may be required to determine the origin and fate of naturally-occurring or man-made chemicals in ground water. Hydrogeology is intimately related also to knowledge of earth surface processes (geo-morphology), environmental studies, engineering geology, and exploration geophysics. A background in these related specialties is desirable. Students interested in hydrogeology should also consider the Environmental Geosciences curriculum.
Geophysics
Geophysics applies principles of physics to the study of the earth. Studies of natural gravity, magnetic and electrical fields, seismic wave propagation, and heat flow are used to deduce the nature of the earth's interior-the structure, composition, physical properties, and dynamic processes that cause earthquakes and move continents. Similar studies are used to explore for petroleum and mineral deposits and to investigate the shallow portions of the earth's crust to determine conditions that influence the location of engineering structures.
Geophysics includes theoretical and laboratory studies as well as field investigations that may be located in interesting and remote areas of the world. Often geophysicists use sophisticated instrumentation, computer processing of data, and interpretation and integration of information from several related disciplines.
Recommended Courses (PDF)
Marine Sciences
Students interested in pursuing a career in marine sciences are encouraged to major in earth or atmospheric science, or another basic science such as biology. A program can be arranged that will qualify students to study marine science in graduate school.
