Program Overview

---

Geosciences: Earth, Ocean, and Climate Emphasis

Overview

Our planet is more than meets the eye. Explore the history of Earth's climate, global change, ocean science and modern climate dynamics. Students who select the Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with an Earth, Oceans and Climate emphasis are immersed in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the planet. Students will develop an understanding of Earth's climate - past, present, and future - and the important connections between the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere, and how they influence modern climate dynamics. Explore this world-renowned field of study at the University of Arizona and discover the mysteries behind our planet. Graduates pursue careers in environmental geology and scientific research in fields such as oceanography, climate science, surficial processes, paleoclimate, paleoecology and more.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Teamwork and leadership
• The basic structure of the Earth, and how this structure is known
• Theories for the origin of the Earth
• Be able to access information through traditional and new technologies
• Teaching and assisting others in learning
• Major events in the evolution of the Earth; Main events in the evolution of life on Earth
• Be able to critically evaluate information from multiple perspectives
• Involvement in campus and community service
• Understand the process of scientific inquiry
• Involvement in research
• The fundamentals of plate tectonics
• Exposure to career options and opportunities
• Understand the relationship of Geosciences to other areas of science and to society in general
• The main classes of minerals
• The nature and origin of each of the main types of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks
• The nature and distribution of sedimentary environments on Earth
• The nature and significance of structures, such as folds, faults, and joints
• The first-order processes that shape the surface of the Earth (e.g., rivers, glaciers, mass wasting, wind, weathering, erosion)
• The nature and origin of mineral and hydrocarbon resources on Earth
• The possible linkages between human activities and our physical environment (e.g., global climate change)

Program Details

Sample Courses

• GEOS 412A: Ocean Sciences
• GEOS 478: Global Change
• GEOS 479: Climate Dynamics

Career Fields

• Geoscience
• Earth science
• Climate dynamics
• Oceanography
• Environmental policy
• Environmental and geological consulting

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Science

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Geosciences: Earth, Ocean, and Climate Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

1st Semester

• GEOS 251 Physical Geology (4)
• MATH 122A & 122B Calculus I (5)
• ENGL Foundation Composition 1st Semester (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)

2nd Semester

• GEOS 255 Historical Geology (recommended) (4)
• MATH 129 Calculus II (3)
• CHEM Introductory Chemistry 1st Semester (4)
• ENGL Foundation Composition 2nd Semester (3)

2nd Semester Summer

• CHEM Introductory Chemistry 2nd Semester (4)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• GEOS 342 History of the Earth's Climate (3)
• PHYS Physics I (4)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Elective (3)

4th Semester

• GEOS 300 Earth Surface Processes (3)
• GEOS 308 Paleontology (3)
• PHYS Physics II (4)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Elective (3)

Third Year

5th Semester

• GEOS 302 Principles Stratigraphy & Sedimentation (4)
• Computer Applications (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Elective (3)

6th Semester

• GEOS 412A Ocean Sciences (3)
• EOC Emphasis (4)
• EOC Emphasis (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

6th Semester Summer

• Capstone Experience: Field Camp or Research (6)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• GEOS 478 Global Change (3)
• EOC Emphasis (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)

8th Semester

• GEOS 479 Intro to Climate Dynamics (3)
• EOC Emphasis (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Elective (2)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)