Undergraduate program

• Admission
• Geology
• Geobiology
• Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Planetary Science

The aim of the undergraduate program is to provide thorough training in the geological and planetary sciences and, wherever possible, to integrate these studies with, and build upon, the courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology taken during the student's earlier years at the Institute. Active involvement in research, particularly during the summer, is encouraged. For geologists, field work is emphasized because it provides firsthand experience with geological phenomena that can never be satisfactorily grasped or understood solely from classroom or laboratory treatment. Options are offered in geology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary science. Electives permit students to follow lines of special interest in related scientific and engineering fields. Those who do well in the basic sciences and at the same time have a compelling curiosity about the earth and the other planets are likely to find their niche in these options, especially if they enjoy grappling with complex problems involving many variables. Most students majoring in the earth and planetary sciences pursue further training at the graduate level.