L&S MAJORS

Earth Science covers the whole range of sciences which deal with the Earth, including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanography, atmospheric science, and some biological sciences.

Geology is the science of the Earth-its materials and processes, its origin and evolution. It is a broad science concerned with a vast range of physical phenomena in both space and time, requiring in those who practice it a broad background in science and technology. This breadth is reflected in the great variety of concerns to which a trained geologist can aspire, a variety that-in view of the current global concerns with energy, mineral resources, and general environmental problems-can be expected to increase in years to come.

Geophysics means physics of the Earth. Because the Earth is a vast and complicated object, geophysics is a broad subject that requires an interdisciplinary approach. The major emphasizes solid-earth geophysics, so problems concerned with the internal constitution of the earth and its evolution are of primary concern. What causes mountains to form, volcanoes to erupt? Why do earthquakes occur? What accounts for the heat that seeps out of the earth, or for its magnetic field? What causes continents to move, or the sea floor to spread? How can economically valuable deposits of metals and petroleum be detected? How does the earth compare with the moon and other planets? These are some of the questions that geophysics tries to answer.

Atmospheric Science involves the study of the physical, chemical and biological processes in the Earth's atmosphere. Exploring the fundamental natural processes controlling atmospheric composition, circulation dynamics, and climate, and understanding how these processes have changed in the past and may change in the future, are among the greatest intellectual and technological challenges of our time.

Marine Science, which is offered jointly with the Department of Integrative Biology, examines the role that the ocean plays in physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes on earth. The field of marine science requires an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere.

The Environmental Earth Science track is designed for students who want a broader knowledge of the many sciences that relate to the Earth, instead of the more focused tracks.

Lower Division Requirements for the Atmospheric Science Track

• EPS 50
• Mathematics 1A-1B, 53, 54
• Physics 7A-7B-7C
• Chemistry 1A or 4A

Lower Division Requirements for the Environmental Earth Science Track

• EPS 50
• Mathematics 1A-1B, or 16A-16B
• Physics 7A-7B or 8A-8B
• Chemistry 1A or 4A
• Biology 1B

Lower Division Requirements for the Geology Track

• EPS 50
• Mathematics 1A-1B
• Physics 7A-7B
• Chemistry 1A or 4A

Lower Division Requirements for the Geophysics Track

• EPS 50
• Mathematics 1A-1B, 53, 54
• Physics 7A-7B-7C
• Chemistry 1A or 4A

Lower Division Requirements for the Marine Science Track

• EPS 50, C82
• Mathematics 1A-1B or 16A-16B
• Physics 7A-7B or 8A-8B
• Chemistry 1A or 4A
• Biology 1B

Lower Division Requirements for the Planetary Science Track

• EPS 50
• Mathematics 1A-1B, 53, 54
• Physics 7A-7B-7C
• Chemistry 1A or 4A

Departmental Contact

Catherine Pauling
cpauling@berkeley.edu
305 McCone Hall
(510) 643-4068

General Catalog Description

http://sis.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=EPS

Departmental Website

http://eps.berkeley.edu/

Other Majors to Consider

Environmental Sciences
Geography
Astrophysics
Integrative Biology
Physical Science
Chemistry