Graduate requirements: Geology option

The geology option requirements are (1) two of Ge 102, 103, 104, or ESE 101, which also satisfy the basic division requirement; (2) 36 units in 100-level science or engineering courses taken outside the GPS division, or in courses cross-listed with other divisions. Ch 21 abc may be included as part of these units, and other courses below the 100 level may be included at the discretion of the option representative. Students with a focus in planetary geology may use 100-level planetary science courses to fill this requirement; (3) 36 units of advanced field geology, in the form of three terms of Ge 121 abc taken from three different instructors; (4) an additional 18 units of 100- or 200-level courses within the GPS division. Courses that cannot be used to satisfy these requirements include research and reading courses, and certain courses constituting basic preparation in the field of geology, such as Ge 106, Ge 112, Ge 114 ab, and Ge 115 abc. A grade of C or better is required for all course work that satisfies these requirements. Knowledge of basic physics, mathematics, and data analysis at the level of Ge 108 and ACM/ESE 118 is required of all Ph.D. candidates in geology. Students entering the geology option with a master’s degree in a science or mathematics may be exempt from up to 45 units at the discretion of the option representative (exemptions from advanced field geology must be granted by the GPS field committee).

Units at Caltech nominally reflect the total hours a typical student will spend per week in the classroom, the lab and with homework. Thus, a nine unit course may involve three hours in the classroom, two hours in a laboratory and four hours doing homework each week.

For more information, contact geology option representative Paul Asimow.