Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2013-2014 Catalog Program: Geophysics, BS Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Geophysics, BS

Department of Geology, College of Sciences and Technology

97-111 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Geophysics?

A Geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.

Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?

Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations?

Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, Geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.

Why Consider a Geophysics Major? 

Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you.

This program is recommended for students who are interested in applications of physics as a means of understanding a range of geological processes. Geophysics is distinct from Geology in that a more intensive set of Math and Physics courses, and applications of these skills, are required. Students who complete this degree will be prepared to continue to graduate studies in geology, geophysics, planetary geology/geophysics, physics, or other related fields, or to enter into industry. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a senior thesis project as part of this degree, providing them with an excellent capstone experience. Declaration of this major requires Geol 211, and a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Bernie Housen
Environmental Studies 240A
360-650-3581
Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu

Undergraduate Advisor
Theresa Tripp
Environmental Studies 240
360-650-3582
Theresa.Tripp@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

U.S. Geological Survey | Departmental of Natural Resources | Oil Exploration | Mining Geologist | NASA | U.S. Forest Service | Engineering Geologist

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Some 300-level geology courses give preference to majors during Phase I of registration, so it is important to declare a major as early as possible.

Students must apply to the department for admission to the major. Students are admitted to the BS major following a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
 CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I

❑ Choose one of the following options:

    GEOL 211 - Physical Geology

        OR

    GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
    GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review

        OR

    SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems

    GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review

 GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology

    OR

    CSCI 139 - Programming Fundamentals in Python

    OR

    CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++
 GEOL 311 - Earth Materials
 GEOL 318 - Structural Geology
 GEOL 352 - Introduction to Geophysics
 GEOL 452 - Applied Geophysics
 PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
 PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
 PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
 PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
 PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis
 PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics
 PHYS 485 - Mathematical Physics

❑ Choose either:

    MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
    MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

        OR

    MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus

❑ Choose either:

    MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
    MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
    MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I

       OR

    MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
    MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
    MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations

    MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I

❑ Five courses from the following electives:

    ASTR 315 - The Solar System
    GEOL 306 - Mineralogy
    GEOL 314 - Engineering Geology
    GEOL 412 - Tectonic Geomorphology
    GEOL 453 - Plate Tectonics
    GEOL 454 - Magnetic Fabrics and Geologic Processes
    GEOL 457 - Practical Paleomagnetism
    GEOL 463 - Introduction to Seismology
    GEOL 464 - Mantle Processes
    GEOL 473 - Hydrogeology
    GEOL 490 - Senior Thesis (A minimum of 3 credits and maximum of 5 credits)
    MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II
    MATH 430 - Fourier Series and Applications to Partial Differential Equations
    PHYS 368 - Electromagnetism I
    PHYS 369 - Electromagnetism II
    PHYS 486 - Computational Physics

Senior Thesis

An undergraduate thesis is an excellent way to develop research skills, establish closer working relationships with faculty, and gain a more in-depth knowledge of geology. Completion of a thesis is also a notable achievement that highlights a student’s ability to do research, providing tangible evidence of research ability to either graduate schools or potential employers. Thesis options are available for the BA and BS degrees in geology. Students interested in pursuing a senior thesis should contact potential advisors during their junior year to discuss possible thesis topics. A formal application to the department must be made, and accepted, prior to the start of the thesis project.

Departmental Honors

BA or BS students and students in the University Honors program who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements (GURS) 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement

Notes: