Major Requirements: Geophysics
earth and environmental sciences
Classes of 2012-2013
Through an understanding of physical laws, the application of geophysics seeks to further our knowledge of the inner working of the Earth. The study of geophysics at Boston College incorporates a broad range of knowledge and techniques such as tectonics, the Earth’s magnetic fields, seismology, structural geology and deformation.
Students majoring in Geophysics will fulfill the following course requirements:
(A) Students must take the following four courses.
| Course # | Course Name | Co-requisites | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE 132 | Exploring the Earth I | GE 133 | |
| GE 134 | Exploring the Earth II Alternative: At least 3 credits from GE courses numbered above 200 |
GE 135 | GE 132 |
| GE 220 | Earth Materials | GE 221 | GE 132 |
| GE 285* | Introduction to Structural Geology | GE 286 | GE 134 |
* Not Offered Every Year
(B) Four courses must be from the following list; at least two in Geophysics. (**)
| Course # | Course Name | Co-requisites | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE 372* | Petrology I Alternative: GE 370-373 |
GE 373 | GE 220 |
| GE 374* | Petrology II Alternative: GE 374-377 |
GE 375 | GE 372 |
| GE 391* | Introduction to Geophysics** | GE 134, MT 102-103, PH 209-210 |
|
| GE 398* | Statistical Analysis of Scientific Data | ||
| GE 400* | Watershed Geomorphology | GE 401 | GE 132, calculus and physics recommended |
| GE 418* | Hydrogeology** | GE 132 | |
| GE 424* | Environmental Geophysics** | GE 425 | MT 102-103 or PH 209-210 |
| GE 455* | Exploration Seismology** | GE 456 | MT 102-103, PH 209-210 |
| GE 485* | Advanced Structural Geology | GE 486 | GE 285 |
| GE 530* | Marine Geology | GE 132, calculus and physics recommended |
|
| GE 543* | Plate Tectonics/Mountain Belts | GE 220, GE 285 | |
| GE 535* | Coastal Processes | calculus and physics recommended |
|
| GE 572* | Geophysical Data Processing** |
MT 202, PH 209-210 |
|
| GE 660* | Introduction to Seismology** | MT 103 (can be taken concurrently) |
*Not offered every year
(C) Two additional electives approved in advance by the student's advisor
These two courses may be in departmental courses numbered 400 or above, or in advanced courses in Physics or Mathematics beyond those required below.
This requirement may be fulfilled by a combination of courses, such as one advanced departmental course and one advanced physics course.
(D) In addition to the ten required courses listed above, the outside science requirements for the Geophysics major are:
- Calculus through MT 305 (MT 102-103, 202, 305)
- Two semesters of Chemistry (CH 109-110 with labs CH 111-112 or CH 117-118 with labs CH 119-120)
- Two semesters of Physics (PH 209-210 with labs PH 203-204)
Note: AP credits cannot substitute for the natural science corequisites.
Other Options
A geology or geophysics summer field course may be substituted for one of the courses in (B) above. A file of summer field course programs is kept in the department office.
Courses in computer science and additional electives in geology are recommended in the elective program. Elective courses both within and outside the department should be determined by the student and their advisor. Alternatives to this program may be substituted upon petition to and approval by the departmental Undergraduate Program Committee.