Earth Sciences

A232 Earth and Marine Sciences Building
(831) 459-4089
http://www.es.ucsc.edu

The study of Earth sciences encompasses a broad exploration and understanding of the origin and evolution of Earth and its life forms. These endeavors have been unified by the theory of plate tectonics, which considers Earth’s surface to be broken into a number of interlocking plates. Plate movements result in ocean basin formation, mountain building, and plate translation along great faults such as the San Andreas, only 15 kilometers east of Santa Cruz. Most earthquakes and volcanic activity occur at modern plate boundaries. Energy, mineral, and water resources, geologic hazards, pollution of natural waters, climate change, and earthquake hazard reduction and prediction comprise some pressing societal concerns of Earth sciences.

Earth sciences thus presents a broad range of career opportunities. Students obtaining a good background in geology and related disciplines will be prepared for a wide variety of employment opportunities in teaching, research, government, consulting, and industry.

On-campus research facilities at UCSC include laboratories in seismology (the W. M. Keck Seismological Laboratory and the Crustal Imaging Laboratory); paleomagnetism; high-pressure and high-temperature mineral physics; surface processes; isotope geochemistry; electron microscopy; and XRF, ICP, and XRD spectrometry. Many laboratory activities are associated with UCSC’s Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP), a multicampus research unit. Research scientists associated with IGPP greatly intensify tectonic investigation, adding significantly to the intellectual and teaching resources available in Earth sciences at UCSC. For more information on IGPP activities, see the web site at http://igpp.ucsc.edu/.

Earth sciences at UC Santa Cruz is also associated with the Institute of Marine Sciences, a group of physical, biological, and chemical oceanographers, with a graduate program of its own. Students often have opportunities to engage in seagoing research aboard a coastal research vessel and occasionally on the larger research vessels of the nearby U.S. Geological Survey, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, or other oceanographic institutions.

Earth sciences instruction at UC Santa Cruz encompasses geology, geochemistry, and geophysics, as applied to surficial and internal processes and to geological oceanography. Undergraduate courses integrate these subdisciplines and applications, with a focus on modern frontiers and career opportunities in the field. A core set of three foundation courses is available to all majors; these provide rigorous development of the central concepts in Earth sciences. All upper-division Earth sciences courses involve intensive written work, which most students find helpful in developing skills useful in the job market. In addition, there is a requirement to take two upper-division courses that provide hands-on experience with data acquisition and analysis, which is also valuable training for the job market and for graduate research.

The remaining requirements for the major are designed with sufficient flexibility to tailor each degree to particular student interests and career intentions. Through appropriate selection of elective courses, students can develop a focus in any of a wide variety of areas, emphasizing, for example, environmental issues, geologic hazards, water resources, global change, or traditional areas such as geology, geophysics, or geochemistry. Some of the many course combinations that can be constructed to prepare for various career directions are illustrated below.

Faculty and research staff cover many Earth sciences subdisciplines, including igneous and sedimentary petrology, trace element and isotope geochemistry, paleontology and paleoecology, mineral physics, geomorphology, hydrology, geologic hazards, plate tectonics, earthquake and global seismology, crustal seismology, paleomagnetism, paleoceanography, paleoclimatology, planetary sciences, and global climate modeling. Many related courses are offered by the Ocean Sciences Department. The large research staffs of the IGPP and the Institute of Marine Sciences further augment the research and teaching program. Weekly seminars by visiting lecturers provide an opportunity for undergraduates to gain exposure to leading researchers and research topics in Earth sciences. An internship program provides opportunities for undergraduate (and graduate) students to gain practical work experience, which may prove beneficial in the industrial and governmental Earth sciences job market. Earth sciences also offers a mentorship course (course 190, 1 credit) which introduces students to research programs and analytical facilities in the department. The small class format allows students close interaction with three faculty members during each offering.

The Earth Sciences Department offers both bachelor of arts (when combined or doubled with another major) and bachelor of science degrees. Combined majors leading to a B.A. degree in Earth sciences/anthropology or environmental studies/Earth sciences are also offered; for the latter program description, see the Environmental Studies Program Description. A minor in Earth sciences is also available. Students planning to transfer into the program are strongly encouraged to satisfy prerequisites to upper-division courses for the B.S. or B.A. degree before transferring to UCSC.

Those interested in the M.S. or Ph.D. degree should see the description below and request further information and applications through the Division of Graduate Studies. The Earth Sciences Department web site offers valuable information about the graduate program: http://www.es.ucsc.edu/grad/gradprog.html.

Academic Advising

A student who wants to become an Earth sciences major should contact the Department of Earth Sciences undergraduate degree adviser as soon as possible. After developing a formal study plan on a declaration of major petition, students are required to meet with a faculty adviser who can help the student plan his or her program in detail and provide information about independent study, thesis research, advanced study, career options, and other educational opportunities. For the combined major with environmental studies, students begin the advising process with the Department of Environmental Studies; after which they meet with the Department of Earth Sciences for dual advising. Relevant courses taken at UCSC or other institutions may be substituted for required electives by approved petition. Please see the undergraduate adviser for the substitution petition form and more information on this process.

Transfer Students

Those planning to major in Earth sciences are encouraged to call for advice on courses they should complete before arrival at UC Santa Cruz. It is important that students have completed as many as possible of the chemistry, mathematics, and calculus-based physics courses required. Having this course work completed elsewhere allows students greater flexibility in scheduling and completing their UCSC Earth sciences courses. Junior transfer Earth sciences majors and prospective majors should meet with department advisers during summer orientation or shortly after their arrival on campus in order to plan their next two years’ schedule of courses.

Bachelor of Science Degree

The B.S. program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in Earth sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at UCSC. In addition to providing comprehensive preparation in the basic physical sciences, and particular breadth and depth in Earth sciences, the curriculum is structured to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace.

The core of the major includes calculus, physics, chemistry, and a group of comprehensive Earth sciences courses. For the standard B.S., students then select at least four additional courses from a diverse list of upper-division electives, with at least two that involve significant laboratory or field data acquisition and analysis. These electives, often in combination with additional upper-division courses from this and related departments, provide the student with expertise in one or more subdisciplines within Earth sciences.

Elective distributions can be designed to emphasize earthquake and faulting studies, Earth surface processes, Earth system sciences, geologic hazards, geology, crustal and deep-Earth geophysics, marine geophysics, and water resources. Three formal concentrations, all with specific course requirements and leading to an Earth sciences B.S., are available: environmental geology, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences. A senior comprehensive experience (senior thesis, geologic field camp, or exemplary performance in a graduate course) is required.

Preparation for the Standard Major (B.S.)

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B, 22 or 23A

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M, or 5A/L and 5B/M, and 6C/N or 5C/N or Chemistry 108A/L or 112A/L

Requirements for the Standard Major (B.S.)

Courses 5/L, 10/L, or 20/L; 110A/L, 110B/M, and 110C/N

At least four elective courses from upper-division Earth sciences offerings must be completed, with not more than one of either course 104 or 105. Two of the four upper-division electives must be selected from this subset of courses, which involve significant laboratory or field data acquisition/analysis: 109/L, 116, 117/L, 119, 120/L, 130/L, 142, 146, 150/L; 168. Five (5) credits of internship (course 198) or independent study (199) may be substituted for up to 5 credits of upper-division elective.

Students also complete the comprehensive requirement described below.

Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses and to combine additional electives from the general list of offerings to fit individual needs. Students may craft an elective distribution in any of many areas of specific research and career interests. The following are examples of elective distributions that develop expertise in important areas (* indicates that the course satisfies the lab or field data acquisition/analysis requirement).

Earth system sciences. Focuses on terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric processes and their relations through time; may include paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental dynamics, global change issues, and surface geological processes such as weathering, erosion, and hydrology: 100/L, 101/L, 102, 107, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 120/L*, 121, 122, 128, 148, 208, Ocean Sciences 200

Earthquake and faulting studies. Focuses on crustal deformation and faulting processes and related phenomena such as plate motions, earthquakes, and stress in the lithosphere: 109/L*, 117/L*, 119*, 150/L*, 162, 170

Geologic hazards. Focuses on Earth processes that impact society, including earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal erosion, and landslides: 104, 105, 107, 109/L*, 142*, 170

Geology. Emphasizes a traditional broad background with field skills, rock genesis and interpretation, and structural relations: 109/L*, 117/L*, 120/L*, 130/L*, 150/L*

Geophysics. Develops breadth in geophysical techniques, composition and structure of Earth’s deep interior, and gravitational and magnetic fields: 117/L*, 119*, 150/L*, 162, 165, 166, 168*, 170, 172

Marine geophysics. Emphasizes a breadth of geological and geophysical background for continuing study of the processes involved in the growth, evolution, and destruction of the ocean floor and margins: 107, 117/L*, 146*, 150/L*, 152*, 168*, 170

Surface processes. Emphasizes understanding the fluxes of energy, water, mass, and chemicals within and across Earth’s surface and the relations to climatic and tectonic forcing processes: 107, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 120/L*, 122, 128, 134, 142*, 146*, 148, 166, Environmental Toxicology 144.

Water resources. Focuses on water resources quality and quantity and relations between climate and water in and on the crust: 105, 109/L*, 116*, 119*, 121, 142*, 146*, 148, Environmental Toxicology 144, Ocean Sciences 120

Students are not constrained to any specific focus and may develop a unique program based on combinations of various electives. Obtaining advice from the department in order to enhance career opportunities is strongly recommended.

Comprehensive Requirement (B.S.)

Students complete one of the following three options:

• Satisfactory completion of courses 188A-B, Senior Field Internship
  
  
• Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis, which must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it (approximately three quarters in advance of completion)
  
  
• Exemplary performance, including a major written report, in a 5-credit graduate course or seminar (which requires permission from the instructor in order to enroll)

Earth Sciences Standard B.S. Major Planner

Students planning a professional career in the Earth sciences should take more than the minimum number of courses required for the major if possible. Four-year students have ample flexibility to take additional electives if they begin with the required courses in their second year. Junior transfers also have flexibility if they have taken most of their preparatory courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics before entry. Further advice can be obtained from the undergraduate adviser and from faculty
members.

Note: Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N are offered fall-
winter and winter-spring. Physics 6A/L and 6B/M and 6C/N are offered fall-winter and winter-spring and spring-fall, and Mathematics 11A-B and 19A-B and 22 are offered every quarter.

* Eart 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M are required for participation in Eart 188A-B.

† Students expecting to write a senior thesis for their comprehensive requirement are encouraged to contact the department approximately three quarters before graduation to identify the intended project and faculty adviser. Senior theses usually require two or three quarters for completion.

Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Environmental
Geology (B.S.)

The environmental geology concentration is designed to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways involving interdisciplinary study of the environment with a geological emphasis. Additional biology and environmental studies courses are required for this concentration along with other distributions of upper-division requirements and electives.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 20/L (recommended) or 10/L or 5/L

Environmental Studies 25

Biology 20A, 20B, 20C

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M, or 5A/L and 5B/M

Required Upper-Division Courses

Courses 110A/L, 110B/M, Biology 150

At least four of the following Earth sciences courses: 101/L, 102, either 104 or 105, 107, 109/L, 110C/N, 116, 120/L, 121, 142, 146, 148

Two additional upper-division electives from biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, environmental studies, or ocean sciences

Students also complete an Earth sciences comprehensive requirement from the list described above.

Earth Sciences (Environmental Geology) B.S. Major Planner

Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Ocean Sciences (B.S.)

The ocean sciences concentration is intended to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways that include ocean biogeochemistry. Additional biology and chemistry courses are required for this concentration, along with other distributions of upper-division requirements and electives.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 5/L, 10/L, or 20/L

Biology 20A and 20B

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M, or 5A/L and 5B/M

Required Upper-Division Courses

Courses 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N; Chemistry 108A/L and 108B/M or 112A/L and 112B/M and 112C/N; Ocean Sciences 101 or 102

Four electives from the following list:

Courses 101, 102, 105, 120/L, 122, 128, 172; Chemistry 122; Ocean Sciences 101, 102, 118, 120, 130, 142, 156, 200, 220, 238

Students also complete the comprehensive requirement from the list described above. A topic emphasizing ocean sciences is recommended.

Earth Sciences (Ocean Sciences) B.S. Major Planner

Earth Sciences Major with Concentration in Planetary Sciences (B.S.)

The planetary sciences concentration is designed to provide students with a quantitative background appropriate for career pathways in the interdisciplinary study of planets. The upper-division elective courses can be tailored for students interested in planetary interiors, atmospheres, and/or surfaces.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 10/L (preferred) or 5/L or 20/L

Astronomy 14 or 16 or 18

Chemistry 1B/M, 1C/N

Mathematics 19A-B (preferred) or 11A-B

Mathematics 22 or 23A

Physics 5A/L, 5B/M, 5C/N (preferred), 5D recommended; or 6A/L, 6B/M, 6C/N

Required Upper-Division Courses

Courses 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N, 119, 162, and 165 or 166 or Astronomy 118

Three electives from the following: courses 107, 116, 117/L, 121, 134, 165, 166, 172, 209; Astronomy 112, 118; Mathematics 130

Students also complete the comprehensive requirement from the list described above.

Earth Sciences (Planetary Sciences) B.S. Major Planner

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The B.A. program encourages connections between the Earth sciences and other disciplines, and the degree is granted only as part of a double major or for the combined major with anthropology or environmental studies. Students can prepare for careers in environmental engineering, management, remediation, and policy; education; law; medicine; and interdisciplinary science fields. The B.A. can be granted together with any major field.

The preparatory courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics and four of the six basic courses required for the standard B.S. degree are required for the Earth sciences B.A.; but only two additional electives, which can be chosen from the entire list of upper-division courses, are required.

The combined major in environmental studies and Earth sciences is designed to provide enhanced exposure to geological concepts and processes for students emphasizing environmental policy and social science topics. For the requirements of the combined environmental studies/Earth sciences B.A., see the Environmental Studies Program Description.

Note that B.A. students who want to take courses 188A-B, Senior Field Internship, must first complete courses 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M.

Preparation for the Standard Major (B.A.)

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A-B or 19A-B

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M, or 5A/L and 5B/M

Requirements for the Standard Major (B.A.)

Courses 5/L, 10/L or 20/L; 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N, plus two additional upper-division Earth sciences courses

Comprehensive Requirement for the Standard Major (B.A.)

Students complete one of the following two options:

• Satisfactory completion of courses 188A-B, Senior Field Internship
  
  
• Satisfactory completion of a senior thesis, which must include a significant element of independent research or original work and can only be undertaken after agreement is obtained from a faculty member to supervise it (approximately three quarters in advance of completion).

Combined Major in Earth Sciences/Anthropology (B.A.)

The Earth sciences/anthropology combined major is intended for students with interests in Earth sciences and the laboratory-based aspect of anthropology. These include anthropology students interested in archaeology or paleoanthropology who desire more intensive training in natural sciences and Earth sciences students with interests in paleobiology or archaeology. The combined major provides a rigorous training in both anthropology and Earth sciences and will permit students to enter graduate programs in Earth sciences, archaeology, or paleoanthropology. The combined major has a significantly different set of cognate science and required lower- and upper-division courses than the standard major; therefore, students are advised to plan carefully and to contact academic advisers in the Earth Sciences or Anthropology Departments early if they have questions.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Anthropology 1, 2, and 3

Earth Sciences 5/L, 10/L, or 20/L

Mathematics 11A-B

Five lower-division cognate science courses (plus laboratories) chosen from the following:

Biology 20A, 20B, 20C (or 21A, 21B, 21C)

Chemistry 1B/M and 1C/N

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M (or 5A/L and 5B/M)

Required Upper-Division Courses

Anthropology 101 or 180/L or 185

Earth Sciences 110A/L

Three upper-division electives in anthropology from the following:

Any three upper-division electives listed under the Anthropology Department’s Physical Anthropology and Archaeology Courses subdivision (go to the Anthropology Program Description section for more information).

Three upper-division electives in Earth sciences from the following:

Earth Sciences 100/L, 101/L, 102, 105, 107, 109/L, 110B/M, 117/L, 119, 120/L, 122, 128, 130/L, 142, 148, 150/L, 152

Comprehensive Requirement

One of the following:

Anthropology 194A or

Earth Sciences 188A-B* or

Earth Sciences 195 and a senior thesis with faculty readers from both departments or

Any approved anthropology or Earth sciences field
program

* Earth Sciences 188A-B has as prerequisites courses 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M.

Earth Sciences/Anthropology Combined Major Planner

Double Majors (B.A. or B.S.)

Each Earth sciences double major is required to complete the full requirements of another UCSC major. If a student elects to major in the environmental geology concentration and the environmental biology (biological sciences) or environmental chemistry (chemistry) concentrations, the lower-division preparatory courses will count toward both majors since they are identical. All other double majors in Earth sciences prohibit counting any upper-division course toward both majors.

Minor Requirements

Students can earn a minor in Earth sciences by taking courses 5/L or 10/L or 20/L and five upper-division Earth sciences courses. Two of the five upper-division courses may be substituted by up to two of courses 1, 6, 7, 65, any of the 80 series, or Environmental Toxicology 80E. Courses offering less than 5 credits may not be counted toward the minor. Courses such as Earth Sciences 190 or laboratories (under 5 credits) cannot be used to fill any of the minor requirements although additional course work is encouraged. Courses taken for any major may not be double-counted toward meeting the minor requirements.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Earth sciences is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching. The aim is to develop habits of critical analysis and thorough documentation, skill in both field and laboratory research, and proficiency in some particular field of research. The fundamental requirement for admission to the program is substantial evidence of superior scholarship and aptitude for original research. Preparation in the basic sciences and in geology or Earth sciences equivalent to the requirements for the Earth sciences bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Cruz is expected, but graduates in chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, or other disciplines who meet the requirement of superior scholarship are eligible and encouraged to apply. Deficiencies can be made up by additional course work. Prospective students should take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and have the scores sent to the UCSC Division of Graduate Studies.

UC Santa Cruz awards both the M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees. The M.S. degree may be the terminal degree for some of those seeking careers in industry, government, and teaching at the secondary level. It may also be an initial step toward the Ph.D. degree, in which the student gains knowledge and confidence in carrying out and completing a scientific project. The master’s degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis, course work, or an examination.

Thesis Track. In their first year, all thesis-track graduate students register for courses 203, Introductory Teaching Seminar; 205, Introductory Graduate Seminar; 206, Great Papers in the Earth Sciences; and, in consultation with the graduate preliminary interview committee, choose at least one from among courses 207, Tectonics; 208, Methods in Paleoclimatology; 209, Solid Earth Geochemistry; or 220, Groundwater Modeling. In subsequent years, all students participate in course 293, Graduate Research Seminar. Other course requirements are tailored to the individual student’s academic background, professional experience, and plans for research. No specific number of course credits is required for the Ph.D., but, ordinarily, students put more of their effort into course work during at least the first year of graduate study. It is recommended that all thesis-track graduate students attain some teaching experience while at UCSC.

Late in the fall quarter, each first-year, thesis-track student has an interview with a representative committee of the faculty. The interview topics are drawn from the broad field of Earth sciences and can include elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology. The meeting is used to determine the student’s understanding of basic scientific principles and ability to apply these principles to specific problems. The following fall, students meet again with this committee to assess progress on recommendations made the previous fall.

In order to qualify for candidacy in the doctoral program, each student must pass an oral examination in his or her area of specialization for the Ph.D. The exam is based on one or more research proposals, presenting a scientific question defined by the student, within the scope of a Ph.D. thesis. Students are expected to have in-depth knowledge of fields relevant to the proposal, including familiarity with the current professional
literature.

The Ph.D. dissertation is a scholarly contribution to knowledge which embodies the results of original and creative effort by the student. Students are urged to prepare their dissertations, or certain chapters of them, in a form suitable for publication. A defense of the dissertation is required.

Course Work Track. The course work master’s track is designed to allow students to increase their breadth, quantitative depth, or emphasis on a particular specialty; to provide the student with a stronger background toward competition for jobs or an enhancement of skills for current employment (e.g., K–14 teaching); and to allow students from other disciplines (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, environmental studies) to acquire advanced training in Earth sciences. During the first quarter of study, students have a meeting with their faculty adviser in which they develop a study plan of at least nine courses, no more than one of which may be 297 or 298, and a statement of objectives. The plan must be approved by the graduate representative. Students are also limited to one Earth Sciences 290 pro-seminar course.

Course work master’s students are required to fulfill one of the following capstone options: a substantial review/research manuscript or a comprehensive oral examination based on their course work.

There is no foreign language requirement for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree. However, many students in the Earth sciences find knowledge of one or more foreign languages necessary in their particular research and therefore study the appropriate language.

Details regarding admission to graduate standing, financial aid, examinations, and the requirements for the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees are available from the Division of Graduate Studies. For more information see the Graduate Studies section.