Geology and Geophysics: Prerequisites
Geology and Geophysics: Prerequisites
Geology and Geophysics: Prerequisites
3. The Paleontology and Geobiology track focuses on the fossil record of life and evolution, geochemical imprints of life, and
interactions between life and Earth. Topics range from morphology, function, relationships, and biogeography of the fossils
themselves, through the contexts of fossil finds in terms of stratigraphy, sediment geochemistry, paleoecology, paleoclimate, and
geomorphology, to analysis of the larger causes of paleontological, geobiological, and evolutionary patterns. Integrative approaches
are emphasized that link fossil evidence with the physical and chemical evolution of Earth. The prerequisites are college-level
biology (BIOL 101–104; or MCDB 120 and E&EB 122); CHEM 165 or CHEM 167; and mathematics through multivariate calculus
(MATH 120 or ENAS 151). The major requirements consist of at least thirteen term courses, for twelve course credits, beyond
the prerequisites, including either the senior essay or the senior thesis. Students take G&G 100; G&G 110 or 115, and 111L, to gain
geological and environmental context, and they are introduced to the fossil record and evolution in G&G 125 and 126L; higher-
level courses in G&G can be substituted with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Four core courses give
majors a comprehensive background in sedimentary rocks and rock correlation (G&G 232 or equivalent), the study of evolution
(G&G 250 or equivalent), microbiology in past and present environments (G&G 255 or equivalent), Earth's carbon cycle (G&G 308
or equivalent), and statistical data analysis as applied to the life sciences (S&DS 101 or equivalent). Four electives selected from
Geology and Geophysics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and related fields offer
students flexibility in pursuing their specific interests. A list of suggested electives is available from the office of the DUS or on the
departmental website. At least one elective must be from G&G.
4. The Solid Earth Science track emphasizes an integrated geological, geochemical, and geophysical approach to the study of processes
operating within Earth and their manifestation on the surface. It includes the structure, dynamics, and kinetics of Earth's interior
and their impacts on our environment both in the long term (e.g., the evolution of the land surface) and in the short term (e.g., the
causes for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions). Students acquire a fundamental understanding
of the solid Earth system, both as it exists today and as it has evolved over geologic time scales. The prerequisites are CHEM 165
or CHEM 167; physics (PHYS 170, 171; or 180, 181; or 200, 201); and mathematics through multivariate calculus (MATH 120 or
ENAS 151). The major requirements consist of at least eleven courses, for eleven course credits, beyond the prerequisites, including
either the senior essay or the senior thesis. To begin study of the Earth system, majors take two introductory courses in G&G, with
any accompanying laboratories, selected from G&G 100; 110 or 115, and 111L; 125 and 126L; or 140 and 141L. Higher-level courses in
G&G can be substituted with the permission of the director of undergraduate studies. The core of the track consists of four courses
chosen from topics in mountain building and global tectonics (G&G 212), rocks and minerals (G&G 220), sedimentary rocks and
processes (G&G 232 or equivalent), geochemical principles (G&G 301), and structural geology (G&G 312). Students also select four
electives in geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or related topics. A list of suggested electives is available from the office of the director
of undergraduate studies or on the departmental website. Electives may be chosen from core courses, and at least two must be from
G&G.
B.A. degree program The B.A. degree in Geology and Natural Resources requires fewer upper-level courses than the B.S. degree. It may
be more appropriate for students who wish to major in two separate Yale programs, who study geoscience in preparation for a career in
law, business, government, or environmental fields, or who decide to pursue a science major only after the first year. The prerequisites
include mathematics (MATH 115), biology (BIOL 101 and 102, or MCDB 120, or G&G 255), and a lecture course in chemistry. The major
requirements consist of at least nine term courses beyond the prerequisites. These include two courses in G&G numbered 100–150, with
any accompanying laboratories; courses in natural resources (G&G 205) and geochemical processes (G&G 220 or 232 or 280 or 301); and
five additional courses at the 200 level or higher in Geology and Geophysics or related fields, approved by the DUS and including either
the senior essay or the senior thesis. Course selections can be guided by any of the B.S. tracks described above.
Credit/D/Fail Geology and Geophysics majors may not employ the Credit/D/Fail option for prerequisites or for courses in the major.
Senior Requirement
Seniors in both degree programs must prepare either a senior essay based on one term of library, laboratory, or field research (G&G 492)
or, with the consent of the faculty, a two-term senior thesis (G&G 490, 491), which involves innovative field, laboratory, or theoretical
research. Students electing to do a senior thesis must first select a topic and obtain the consent of a faculty member to act as an adviser.
They must then petition the faculty through the DUS for approval of the thesis proposal. The petition should be submitted by the end of
the junior year. If the two-term senior thesis is elected, G&G 491 may count as an elective toward the major. A copy of each senior thesis
or senior essay is made available on the departmental website.
Advising
Qualified juniors and seniors are encouraged to enroll in graduate courses, with permission of the instructor and of the directors of
graduate and undergraduate studies. Descriptions of graduate courses are available at the office of the director of undergraduate studies.
Practical experience In addition to prerequisites and required courses in Geology and Geophysics, candidates for the B.A. and B.S.
degrees are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience in the Earth sciences. This can be done in two ways: (1) by attending a
summer field course at another academic institution, or (2) by participating in summer research opportunities offered by the Department
of Geology and Geophysics, by other academic institutions, or by certain government agencies and private industries. Consult the DUS or
see the departmental website for further information.
Combined B.S./M.S. degree program Exceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the
simultaneous award of the B.S. and M.S. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See “Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor’s and
Geology and Geophysics 3
Master’s Degrees” under section K, Special Arrangements, in the Academic Regulations. Interested students should consult the director
of undergraduate studies prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Geology and Geophysics.
Physics and Geosciences major The Department of Geology and Geophysics also offers a combined major with the Department of
Physics. For more information, see under Physics and Geosciences.
Courses
* G&G 010a / EVST 010a, Earth, Resources, Energy, and the Environment Mary-Louise Timmermans
Humankind's interactions with, and place within, the natural world. Plate tectonics and natural disasters, biological evolution and
mass extinction, human evolution, population growth and ecology, industrial resources, groundwater and pollution, fossil fuels and
energy transitions, the carbon cycle and greenhouse gases, paleoclimates, current global warming, alternative energies, and a planetary
perspective on the Earth as a singular oasis in space. Enrollment limited to freshmen. Preregistration required; see under Freshman
Seminar Program. SC
G&G 100a, Natural Disasters David Bercovici and Maureen Long
Natural events and their impact on humanity and the built environment. Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, coastal flooding,
tornadoes, hurricanes, and meteoritic impacts. Hazard mitigation strategies. Consequences of global warming. SC
* G&G 105b / APHY 100b / ENAS 100b / EVST 100b / PHYS 100b, Energy Technology and Society Daniel Prober, Michael Oristaglio,
and Julie Paquette
The technology and use of energy. Impacts on the environment, climate, security, and economy. Application of scientific reasoning and
quantitative analysis. Intended for non–science majors with strong backgrounds in math and science. Enrollment limited to 24. For
application instructions, visit the course site on Canvas @ Yale. QR, SC
[ G&G 110, Dynamic Earth ]
G&G 111La, Dynamic Earth Laboratory and Field Methods Danny Rye
Practical exercises in the laboratory and in the field to complement G&G 110 or 115. Identification of minerals and rocks; construction of
geologic maps and cross sections to determine Earth-system processes and histories. Includes a field trip to the northern Appalachians
during the October recess. After or concurrently with G&G 110, or after G&G 115. SC ½ Course cr
4 Geology and Geophysics