Undergraduate Degrees


 

Overview
  The Geological Sciences undergraduate program offers eight major degrees: a B.S. or a B.A. in Geological Sciences (with one concentration and five emphases), a minor, and a five-year Bachelor/Masters degree.
   
 

2008-2009 Major Requirements

  Click here to print out the requirement sheets.
   
 

B.S. in Geological Sciences

This is our primary major, it focuses on general geology and has an optional concentration in Engineering Geology.
   

B.S. with Earth and Planetary Science Emphasis

Study of earth as a planetary system with focus on origin and nature of  terrestrial planets in the cosmos with a focus on the primary underlying physical and chemical principles involved including astrobiological theories.
   

B.S. with Earth System Science Emphasis

This major employs an integrated view of the earth as a dynamically linked system. Students take traditional geology courses while pursuing coursework in related disciplines, such as ocean, atmospheric, and earth-surface processes.
   

B.S. with Geohydrology Emphasis

Study of the movement of water through geologic material and the resulting interactions with a focus on earth surface processes.
   

B.S. with Paleobiology Emphasis

Paleobiology is the study of fossils as evidence for the patterns and processes of evolution over geological time. The paleobiologist seeks to understand the geological context in which a fossil is found and to interpret the biology of the fossil from a sound knowledge of living organisms.
 


B.S. in Geophysics

This major focuses on a quantitative and physical interpretation of Earth processes. Students in Geophysics take more courses in math and physics and fewer courses in earth materials and geologic field methods than do students in Geological Sciences.
 


B.A. in Geological Sciences

The B.A. degree requires more general education courses and fewer upper-division Geology courses than does the B.S. This major is appropriate for students pursuing a double major.
   

B.A. with Science Education Emphasis

B.A. in Geological Sciences, Science Education emphasis. This major is intended for students planning to teach in primary or secondary school. Consultation with the Graduate School of Education is strongly advised.
 


Minor in Geological Sciences

The requirements for the minor are flexible, and we strongly suggest that students meet with the undergraduate assistant before planning their courses. This minor responds to a growing interest in geoscience, and the increasing importance of geoscience to political and social issues.
 


Five-Year Bachelors/Masters Program in Geology and Geophysics

The Department of Geological Sciences at UCSB offers a Five-Year BS/MS degree program in Geology and a Five-Year BS/MS degree program in Geophysics. The programs enable excellent undergraduates to obtain a master's degree in a time-efficient manner.

 

 

Bachelor of Science—Geological Sciences
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Geology 15 or 115; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  Recommended:  Mathematics 5B, 5C; PSTAT 5A; Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips) and a course in computer programming. 
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
A minimum of 56 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  Students must complete core courses:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109ST.  In addition, the following courses must be completed:  Geology 1003, 104B, 118 and one course from:  Geology 102A/L, 102B/L, 102C/L.  Nine elective units are also required, chosen from the following list:  Geology 102A/L, 102B/L, 102C/L (if not used above), 109, 113, 117, 122, 123, 124AA-ZZ, 156, 157, 160, 164B, 173.  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.

Concentration in Engineering Geology
Students desiring this concentration must include Geology 100, 113, 117, 168 and 173 (or Geography 116) in their upper-division electives.  Also recommended for the concentration:  Geology 124AA-ZZ and 169, Geography 176B and Environmental Studies 144.  Note:  The concentration will not be specified on the transcript or diploma.



 
 
 

Bachelor of Science—Geological Sciences Earth & Planetary Science Emphasis
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL; Astro 1.  
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 

Upper-Division major
A minimum of 56 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  Students must complete core courses:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109ST.  In addition, the following courses must be completed:  The emphasis requirements are:  Geography 110, Geology 123, Geology 135, Chemistry 113A and 18 elective units from the list: Geology 102A, 102AL, 102B, 102BL, 103, 124G, 157, 159A, 159B, 164B; Geography 133, 176A, 176B; Chemistry 113B, 113C; Physics 132, 133.  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.

 

 

 

Bachelor of Science—Geological Sciences Earth Systems Emphasis
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  Recommended: Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips), statistics and a course in computer programming. 
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
A minimum of 56 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  The core requirements are as follows:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109ST.  The emphasis requirements are:  4 units from Geology 124AA-ZZ, 130, 2 courses from Geology 164A, 164B, 164C, 6-8 units of Senior research experience (Geology 119, 181, 182) and 10-12 units from: Geology 102A, 102AL, 102B, 102BL, 102C, 102CL, 104B, 117, 123, 157, 160, 161, 168, 169, 171, 198/199; Geography 104, 110, 115A, 115B, 116, 133, 134, 166; Chemistry 113A or other UCSB course with permission from faculty advisor.  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.


 

 

Bachelor of Science—Geological Sciences Geohydrology Emphasis
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  Recommended: Geology 19.   A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.

Upper-Division major
A minimum of 56 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  The core requirements are as follows:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109ST.  The emphasis requirements are:  Geology 117, 168, 173 and 21 units from the list: Geology 100, 104B, 122, 130, 164B, 164C, 169, 171;  Environmental Studies 144; Environmental Studies/Geography 114A; Geography 112, 162A, 176B, 176BL.  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.

 

 

 

Bachelor of Science—Geological Sciences Paleobiology Emphasis
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Mathematics 34A-B; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB2-2L, EEMB 3-3L, EEMB 30 or Psychology 5.  Recommended courses:  Geology 18.
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
A minimum of 56 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  The core requirements are as follows:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109ST.  The emphasis requirements are:  Geology 111-111L, EEMB 20, Geology 121; two courses from: Geology 141, 148, 149, 159C, and 12 units from the list:  Anthropology 105, 153ST, 180A, 180B; EEMB 102, 103A, 105, 106, 107, 130, 157, 159A, 159B, 161, 164B, 164C, 189, 190.  Students are encouraged to consider a Senior research project in Paleobiology (Geology 199).  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.


 
 
 

Bachelor of Science—Geophysics
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Mathematics 3A-B-C and Mathematics 5A-B-C; Chemistrty 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL (or 2 series); Geology 2, 3; Physics 1-2-3-3L-4-4L-5-5L or Physics 21-22-23-23L-24-24L-25-25L; one course from Computer Science 5AA-ZZ or 10.
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
Between 44-47 upper-division units in geology, physics, and math are required, chosen in consultation with an undergraduate advisor.  These units must include:  Geology 104A, 135, 136, two courses from 100, 103, 123 134, Geology 114A-B series, and 4 elective units for a total of 35 upper-division Geology units.  In addition, one sequence plus one course from the following:  Physics 100A-B, 105A-B, 110A-B;  Mathematics 104A-B, 122A-B, 144A-B;  ECE 130A-B.  Recommended electives:  statistics, advanced mathematics, Geology 18, 102A-L, 102B-L, 102C-L, 104B, 113, 124AA-ZZ, 157, 173 and 199RA;  Geography 176A-B.

Every student must be certified for technical writing competence.  Certification may be achieved by submitting acceptable writing in Geology 104A, by writing acceptable term papers in other geoscience courses, or by completing a technical writing course with a C or better.  Writing 109ST is highly recommended.

Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.

 

Bachelor of Arts—Geological Sciences
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3;  Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  Recommended: Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips), PSTAT 5A and a course in computer programming. 
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
A minimum of 48 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.  Students must complete core courses:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) , Writing 109ST, and Geology 111 .  In addition, 22 elective units are also required, chosen in consultation with an advisor.  Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites.

 
 
 

Bachelor of Arts—Geological Sciences Science Education Emphasis
 

Students who declare the major are responsible for satisfying the major requirements in effect at the time of their declaration.

Preparation for the major
Students must complete the following courses:  Geology 1 or 2 or 4;  Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL.  MCDB 1A-AL, MCDB 1B, EEMB2-2L, EEMB 3-3L.  Recommended courses:  Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips); PSTAT 5A, and a course in computer programming.
A grade of C- of better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
 
Upper-Division major
A minimum of 48 upper-division units in geology is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate
advisor.  The core requirements are as follows:  Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and
Writing 109ST.  The emphasis requirements are:  Geology123, Geography 110 and 18 elective units from the
list: Geology 100, 104B, 109, 111, 113, 117, 157, 160, 164A-B-C; Geography 116, 176A-B;
Environmental Studies 114A-B, 144.  Highly recommended: Geology 187; Geography 104, 112, 162A.
Note:  Some courses may require additional prerequisites

 

 
 

Minor—Geological Sciences
 
Up to 5 units of Geology 160 (graded P/NP only) may apply to the minor. All other courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis.

Preparation for the minor

No specific courses are required. Note, however, that most upper-division courses in geology have prerequisites of lower-division geology and often mathematics, chemistry, or physics. Consult the departmental staff advisor for assistance in planning.

Upper-division minor

A minimum of 18 units of upper-division geology courses is required. No more than 5 upper-division units of overlap between this minor and the upper-division portion or your major(s) or other minor(s) is allowed.

The minor is not listed on your diploma, but it will be posted on your official transcript at the time of graduation, provided all other conditions are also met.

Note: Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the Chair of the Department.

 
 
 
 

Five-Year Bachelors/Masters Program in Geology and Geophysics
 
In brief, the program is as follows: A faculty member identifies a promising junior-level undergraduate and the two agree upon a research topic of mutual interest. In the Fall of his or her junior year the student applies for admission to the program for the Fall of their senior year, and may be accepted to the program the Winter of his or her junior year. The student then completes the research and coursework for the BS/MS degree in his or her senior and succeeding year.

Program degree requirements

• preparation of one research paper
• oral comprehensive examination
• preparation of a satisfactory thesis
• completion of 30 units (at least 20 in graduate courses)
• completion of GEOL 201A and 201B, and GEOL 260 each quarter while in residence

 

 
[People]  [Research]  [Resources]  [Alumni] 
[Graduate]  [Undergrad]  [Outreach]  [IntraWeb]
 
University of California, Santa Barbara—Department of
Earth Science
 Copyright © 1998-2005 Regents of the University of California
Send your comments to the Web Page Editor