Earth and Planetary Sciences

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

Program Description

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences teaches and conducts research in a wide array of topics. We seek to answer questions such as:

• How did the Earth form? How has it evolved since then? What makes up the interior of the Earth?
• What is the history of life on Earth? What are the causes and effects of past mass extinctions?
• How do mountain ranges form? What causes earthquakes? What causes island chains to form? What controls the evolution of glaciers? How do we prevent coastal erosion? How well can we predict tsunamis?
• What has Earth’s climate been like in the past? How will climate change in the future?
• What controls the supply and quality of our freshwater resources?
• How are other planets in our solar system different from Earth? How did they evolve to their present state? How have the impacts of asteroids on Earth and other planets affected their evolution?

A variety of methods and tools are used to help us address these questions. Geologists examine rocks and geologic formations in order to understand the processes that control their formation and evolution. Geochemists and mineralogists examine the chemical and mineral composition of rocks, sediments, and fossils using a variety of sophisticated analytical instruments. Geophysicists use seismometers to not only record earthquakes, but also to learn about the deeper parts of the Earth. Environmental scientists collect samples of the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, and the oceans, sometimes requiring the use of aircraft and ships. Spacecraft have visited and explored all of the planets in our solar system. Space-based satellites have provided a massive amount of data about Earth over the past few decades. Scientists from all disciplines use computer models to help them understand these complex systems.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers a number of degrees that teach undergraduate and graduate students the knowledge and skills necessary to address these questions. Along with the standard Earth sciences major, we offer degrees with concentrations in environmental geology, ocean sciences, planetary sciences, and science education. We also offer combined majors with environmental studies and anthropology. A minor in Earth sciences is also available. We offer courses across a wide range of topics, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their interests. Courses are comprised of not only classroom lectures, but frequently field trips, labs, and computer exercises are involved. Many related courses are offered by other departments such as Ocean Sciences, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Astronomy and Astrophysics. The university capstone requirement is often fulfilled by attending the departmental field camp, or by completing a senior research thesis, but other choices are also possible.

Graduates of our department continue on to a variety of careers, such as:

• Business and industry
• Geological and environmental consulting
• Governmental agencies at the federal, state, and local level
• Non-profit organizations
• Research at universities, governmental research institutions, or other scientific agencies
• Graduate/professional school in areas such as science, engineering, teaching, law, public health, business

For more information about the people in the department, their areas of interest, departmental facilities, contact e-mails and phone numbers, and how to apply to join our department as an undergraduate or graduate student, please see our web site: http://es.ucsc.edu/.

Academic Advising

Transfer Students

Transfer students planning to major in Earth sciences are encouraged to call for advice about courses they should complete before arrival at UCSC. It is important that students have completed as many as possible of the required chemistry, biology, calculus, and calculus-based physics courses. Having this course work completed elsewhere allows students greater flexibility in scheduling and completing their UCSC Earth and planetary sciences courses. Junior transfer Earth and planetary sciences majors and prospective majors should meet with department advisers during summer orientation or shortly after their arrival on campus 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 and planetary 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 and planetary 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 and planetary 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. Four formal concentrations, all with specific course requirements and leading to an Earth and planetary sciences B.S., are available: environmental geology, ocean sciences, science education, and planetary sciences. A senior comprehensive experience (senior thesis, or geologic field camp, or exemplary performance in a graduate course) is required of all majors.

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement will normally be met within one to three courses already required for the major. For detailed information on this major’s DC requirement, consult your major adviser or see the 2010-11 general catalog.

Preparation for the Standard Major (B.S.)

Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A and 11B or 19A and 19B, and 22 or 23A or Earth Sciences 111

Physics 6A/L and 6B/M (preferred), 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.)

Earth Sciences 5/L, or 10/L, or 20/L; 110A/L, 110B/M, and 110C/N, 190 (optional 1-unit)

At least four elective courses from upper-division Earth and planetary sciences offerings, or Ocean Sciences 102 or 120, must be completed. 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, 140/L, 142, 146, 148, 150/L; 168.

Five (5) credits of internship (Earth Sciences 198) or independent study (Earth Sciences 199) may be substituted for one 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 may craft an elective distribution from many areas of specific research and career interests. The following are examples of suggested 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, 125, 128, 148*, 208, Ocean Sciences 102, 120

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, 168*, 172

Geologic hazards. Focuses on Earth processes that impact society, including earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal erosion, and landslides: 104, 105, 107, 109/L*, 116*, 140/L*, 142*, 146*

Geology. Emphasizes a traditional broad background with field skills, rock genesis and interpretation, and structural relations: 109/L*, 117/L*, 120/L*, 130/L*, 140/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*, 160, 162, 168*, 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*

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*, 140/L*, 128, 142*, 146*, 148*, 163, 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, 140/L*, 142*, 146*, 148*, Environmental Toxicology 144, Ocean Sciences 120

Comprehensive Requirement (B.S.)

Students complete one of the following three options:

Satisfactory completion of Earth Sciences 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 and planetary 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 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N are offered fall-winter-spring and winter-spring-fall. Physics 6A/L and 6B/M and 6C/N are offered fall-winter-spring and winter-spring-fall, and Mathematics 11A-B and 19A-B and 22 and 23A are offered every quarter.

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

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: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCD) BIOL 20A; Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) BIOE 20B; BIOE 20C (Environmental Studies 24 may be substituted for BIOE 20C)

Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A or 19A and 11B or 19B

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

Required Upper-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 110A/L and 110B/M, BIOE 107

At least four of the following Earth and planetary sciences courses: 100/L, 101/L, 102, 104, 105, 107, 109/L, 110C/N, 111, 116, 119, 120/L, 121, 125, 128, 140/L, 142, 146, 148, 150/L

Two additional upper-division electives with environmental topics from biology, chemistry, Earth and planetary sciences, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, or ocean sciences

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

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

* 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 required 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 Ocean Sciences (B.S.)

The ocean sciences concentration is intended to provide quantitative preparation for career pathways that include oceanography and 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 or 10/L, or 20/L

BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B

Chemistry 1A, 1B/M and 1C/N

Mathematics 11A and 11B or 19A and 19B, and Mathematics 22 or 23A or Earth Sciences 111

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

Required Upper-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 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/L, 102, 105, 107, 109/L, 111, 116, 119, 120/L, 121, 128, 130/L, 148, 172; Chemistry 122; Ocean Sciences 101, 102, 118, 120, 130, 200, 220, 260

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

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

* 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 required 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 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 and their satellites. 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 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N

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

Mathematics 22; or 23A; or Earth Sciences 111

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

Required Upper-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 110A/L, 110B/M, 110C/N, 119, 160

One elective from the following Earth sciences courses: 162, 163, 164

Three electives from the following courses: Earth Sciences 107, 109/L, 116, 117/L, 121, 128, 130/L, 140/L, 148, 150/L, 152, 162, 163, 164, 172, 209, 210; Astronomy 112, 118; Mathematics 130

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

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

* 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 required 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 Science Education (B.S.)

The science education concentration provides future K-12 science teachers with coursework aligned with the California K-12 Earth and planetary science standards; a broad background across the sciences; and a thorough introduction to educational theory and practice including a sequence of three classroom-based internships. Additional biology, astronomy, and ocean science courses required for this concentration ensure that students are very well prepared to enter a rigorous teaching-credential program and, ultimately, a career in education. The senior comprehensive requirement involves a curriculum-development project jointly over seen by faculty in Earth and planetary sciences and UCSC’s Cal Teach program.

Students may start with either the Cal Teach or Earth and Planetary Sciences department for degree and course information, but must stay in contact with both for dual advising and development of study plans as well as approval for formally declaring the major.

Required Lower-Division Courses

• Earth Sciences 5/L (strongly recommended) or 10/L or 20/L
• Astronomy 2 (recommended) or another lower-division course in astronomy
• Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology 20A
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 20B and 20C (Environmental Studies 24 may be substitute for BIOE 20C)
• Education 50C
• Mathematics 11A and 11B, or 19A and 19B
• Physics 7A/L and 7B/M

Required Upper-Division Courses

• Ocean Sciences 102
• Earth Sciences 110A/L and 110B/M
• Earth Sciences 109/L, or both 120/L and 150/L
• Earth Sciences 111, or Mathematics 21 or 22, or Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5
• Two upper-division courses in Earth sciences or ocean sciences, one of which must involve significant laboratory or field data acquisition/analysis
• Education 100C, 185C, 185L
• One upper-division education course from the following list: 128, 141, 164, or 181
• Students complete a comprehensive requirement by doing an independent project through Earth and Planetary Sciences, which applies knowledge of Earth and planetary sciences to K-12 curriculum development.

Earth Sciences (Science Education) B.S. Major Planner

Combined Major in Environmental Studies/Earth Sciences (B.A.)

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. Students are advised to plan carefully and to contact academic advisers in both the Environmental Studies and Earth and Planetary Sciences departments early if they have questions. For the requirements of the combined environmental studies/Earth sciences B.A., see the Environmental Studies program description at http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/programs_courses/09_10update/envsPS.html.

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 interested 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 and Planetary Sciences and Anthropology Departments early if they have questions.

Required Lower-Division Courses

Anthropology 1, 2, and 3

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

Mathematics 11A or 19A, and 11B or 19B

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

BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C

Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, 1C/N

Physics 6A/L, 6B/M

Required Upper-Division Courses

Earth Sciences 110A/L

Any four five- to seven-credit upper-division electives listed under the Anthropology Department’s Physical Anthropology and Archaeology Courses subdivision.

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, 128, 130/L, 142, 148, 150/L, 152

Comprehensive Requirement

One of the following:

Anthropology 194-series (any senior seminar in physical anthropology or archaeology) 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

• Year	Fall	Winter	Spring
  1st (frsh)	ANTH 1 college core	ANTH 2	ANTH 3 EART 10/L
  2nd (soph)	MATH 11A cog sci	MATH 11B cog sci	cog sci ANTH elective
  3rd (jr)	EART 110A/L cog sci	EART elective cog sci	ANTH 107/L EART elective
  4th (sr)	ANTH elective sr comp	EART elective sr comp	ANTH elective sr comp

Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement

Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. The DC requirement will normally be met within one to three courses already required for the major. For detailed information on this major’s DC requirement, consult your major adviser or see the 2010-11 general catalog.

Honors

Honors in the major are determined by a review of grades and narrative evaluations at the time a student applies for graduation.  A faculty committee makes the decision based on the quality of all course work, but especially in the courses required for the major.  Extra course work or independent study as well as more intensive or rigorous course work and the quality of a capstone project may also be taken into consideration.  Honors in the combined majors with Environmental Studies and Anthropology will be granted only when the committees in both departments are in agreement. Highest honors may also be awarded in exceptional cases when a student’s overall GPA is at 4.0 and performance in the senior capstone requirement is equally outstanding.

Honors on the senior thesis are determined independently of major honors, and must be approved by two faculty readers.  Honors in capstone courses (i.e. EART188A and 188B) are awarded if the grade(s) are at A- level or above.

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. Courses offering less than 5 credits (such as Eart 190 or 2-unit labs and independent studies) may not be counted toward the minor requirements, although additional course work is always encouraged.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Earth and planetary sciences is designed to prepare students for research, industry, consulting, teaching, and numerous other career paths, including business and law. The aim is to develop habits of critical analysis and thorough documentation, skills in quantitative field, computational, and/or laboratory research, and proficiency in one or more fields of research. The fundamental requirement for admission to the program is substantial evidence of superior scholarship, dedication and determination to do quality work, and aptitude for original research. Preparation in the basic sciences and in Earth and planetary sciences equivalent to the requirements for the Earth sciences bachelor’s degree at UCSC 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. Gaps in knowledge can be made up through 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.

UCSC awards both the M.S. and the Ph.D. degrees. The M.S. degree may be the terminal degree for some 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 more complex scientific project.

Thesis Track (Ph.D., M.S.). 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; 210, Overview of Stellar and Planetary Formation and Evolution; 220, Ground Water Modeling; 231, Igneous Petrology; 254, The Climate System; 262, Planetary Interiors; 265, Order of Magnitude Estimation; 270, Global Seismology; or 275, Magnetohydrodynamics. 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 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. Interview topics are drawn from the broad field of Earth and planetary sciences and can include elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology. The interview is used to determine the student’s understanding of basic scientific principles and ability to apply these principles to specific problems. Following the interview, students will be given a list of course requirements and recommendations.

To qualify for candidacy in the Ph.D. program, each student must pass an oral examination in his or her area of specialization by the end of their third year of graduate study, although students are strongly encouraged to take the exam earlier. The exam is based on a research proposal presenting one or more specific questions to be researched by the student in the course of completing their Ph.D. thesis. Students are expected to have in-depth knowledge of fields relevant to the proposal, including familiarity with the professional literature.

The Ph.D. dissertation is a scholarly contribution to knowledge that embodies the results of original and creative effort by the student. Students are urged to prepare their dissertations for publication in peer-reviewed professional journals. A public oral defense of the thesis is required prior to completion of the Ph.D.

The M.S. thesis is a scholarly contribution consisting of results of an original research project by the student. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare their results for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. The M.S. thesis must be completed by the end of the third year after entering the program and students are strongly encouraged to complete their thesis earlier and to present the results of this work publicly.

Course Work M.S. Track. The course work M.S. track is a professional program 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 and planetary sciences. Prior to 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. It is expected that the course plan will comprise mainly graduate-level and quantitative upper-level undergraduate elective courses.

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 and planetary 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 Graduate Studies at http://www.es.ucsc.edu/grad/index.html.