The Earth Sciences/Geochemistry Major

This specialization focuses on the Earth as a chemical system, and on its evolution. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental observations that allow geoscientists to understand better the past history of the planet, the energetics of its evolution, and the major cycles (e.g., water, carbon) that characterize and control planetary-scale changes on a broad range of time scales. The major is appropriate for students interested in modern geochemistry, in global change studies, and in global and local environmental problems, including biochemical and anthropogenic effects.

Lower-Division Requirements

Math 20A-B-C-D Physics 2A-B-C (2D recommended)
Chemistry 6A-B-C and Chem 6BL
Biology 3
SIO 50 Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences

Earth Science Upper-Division Core Requirements

SIO 100. Introduction to Field Methods
SIO102. Introduction to Geochemistry
SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics
SIO 104. Paleobiology and History of Life

Upper-Division Earth Science Requirements

SIO 120. Mineralogy
SIO 144. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry
SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography

Upper-Division Chemistry Requirements

Chemistry 120A. Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry 131. Physical Chemistry or Chemistry 127
Chemistry 140A. Organic Chemistry

Chemistry restricted electives, at least two courses from:

Chemistry 149A-B. Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry 173. Atmospheric Chemistry

Upper-division restricted electives: at least three courses from:

SIO105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
SIO 110. Introduction to GIS for Earth and Environmental Scientists
SIO 112. Urban Landscapes
SIO 135. Satellite Remote Sensing
SIO 155. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 162. Structural Geology
SIO 170. Introduction to Volcanology
SIO 182A-B. Applied Geophysics
SIO 185. Applied Complexity
SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
SIO 197. Earth Science Internship
SIO 198. Directed Group Study
SIO 199. Independent Study
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 240. Marine Geology
SIO 247. Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism
SIO 250. Earth History
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
SIO 263. Aqueous Chemistry

An example schedule is outlined below.