California Institute of Technology

Undergraduate requirements: Geophysics option

  1. Ge 11 abc, Ge 13, Ge 109.
  2. ACM 95 abc.
  3. Ge 111 ab, Ge 11 d.
  4. Twenty-seven units of physics or mechanics electives: any non-GPS course numbers 100 or greater, relevant to the option and approved by the option representative, including ME 65, ME 66, AM 125 abc, Ae/Ge/ME 160, Ph 106 abc.
  5. Thirty-six units of geophysics electives (selected in consultation with adviser): Ge 161, Ge 162, Ge 163, Ge 164, Ge 165, Ge 166, Ge 168, Ge 211, 200-level courses.

Typical course schedules are given for information only; in many cases is it possible to take courses in different years or in a different order.

Typical Course Schedule

Units per term

   

1st

 2nd

 3rd

 summer

Second Year

         
Ge 11 ab, Ge/Ay 11 c Introduction to Earth and Planetary Science 9
9
9
 
Ge 13 Scientific Writing Tutorial
    3  
Ge 109 Oral Presentation     3  
Ph 2 ab
Sophomore physics
9
9
   
Ma 2 ab Sophomore mathematics
9 9
   
  HSS electives 9
9
9
 
 

Total units

36

36

24

 
           

Third Year

         
Ge 111 a
Applied Geophysics Seminar
    6
 
Ge 111 b
Applied Geophysics Field Course
      9
Ge 11 d
Geophysics
  9
   
  Physics or mechanics electives 9
9
9
 


HSS electives 9
9
9
 
 

Total units

18

27

24

9

           

Fourth Year

         
  Geophysics electives 18 18
9
 
  HSS electives 9
9
9
 
 

Total units

27

27

18

 

For students beginning their junior year, it is possible to complete the requirements for the geophysics option within two years, but there are benefits from starting with Ge 11 abc in the sophomore year.

Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units, including courses listed above. Any student whose grade-point average in science and mathematics courses is less than 1.9 at the end of an academic year may be refused permission to register in the geological and planetary science options.

For more information

For more information, visit the geophysics program website or contact option representative Jennifer Jackson.

Last updated November 29, 2011 11:13 by Heather Steele
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