Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Geophysics, BS
What Is the Study of Geophysics?
A geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare.
Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain?
Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations?
Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, Geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you.
This program is recommended for students who are interested in applications of physics as a means of understanding a range of geological processes. Geophysics is distinct from Geology in that a more intensive set of Math and Physics courses, and applications of these skills, are required. Students who complete this degree will be prepared to continue to graduate studies in geology, geophysics, planetary geology/geophysics, physics, or other related fields, or to enter into industry. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a senior thesis project as part of this degree, providing them with an excellent capstone experience. Declaration of this major requires Geol 211, and a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.
How to Declare:
Pre-Major: Available. Contact the department for further information.
You may declare your Geology major upon completion of GEOL 211. Come to the Geology Office, ES 240, to declare your major. You will be assigned a Geology faculty advisor at that time.
Coursework
Requirements
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- Choose one of the following options:
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- OR
- GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- OR
- SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems
- GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review
- GEOL 211 - Physical Geology
- GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology
- GEOL 311 - Earth Materials
- GEOL 318 - Structural Geology
- GEOL 352 - Introduction to Geophysics
- GEOL 452 - Applied Geophysics
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
- PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis
- PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 485 - Mathematical Physics
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- OR
- MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
- Choose either:
- MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
- MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- OR
- MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
- MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
- MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- Three courses from the following electives:
- ASTR 315 - The Solar System
- GEOL 306 - Mineralogy
- GEOL 314 - Engineering Geology
- GEOL 453 - Plate Tectonics
- GEOL 454 - Magnetic Fabrics and Geologic Processes
- GEOL 456 - Principles of Orogeny Seminar
- GEOL 457 - Practical Paleomagnetism
- GEOL 463 - Introduction to Seismology
- GEOL 464 - Mantle Processes
- GEOL 473 - Hydrogeology
- 8 credits from:
- GEOL 490 - Senior Thesis (Up to 4 credits)
- Any 400-level Geology course
- MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II
- MATH 430 - Fourier Series and Applications to Partial Differential Equations
- PHYS 368 - Electromagnetism I
- PHYS 369 - Electromagnetism II
Senior Thesis
An undergraduate thesis is an excellent way to develop research skills, establish closer working relationships with faculty, and fain a more in-depth knowledge of geology. Completion of a thesis is also a noteable achievement that highlights a student's ability to do research, providing tangible evidence of research ability to either graduate schools or potential employers. Thesis options are available for the BA and BS degrees in Geology. Students interested in pursuing a senior thesis should contact potential advisors during their junior year to discuss poissble thesis topics. A formal application to the department must be made, and accepted, prior to the start of the thesis project.
Departmental Honors
BA or BS students and students in the University Honors program who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction.
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 138
- LSCI: CHEM 121; GEOL 101, 211, 212; PHYS: 161, 162, 163; SCED 202
Sample Careers
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Department of Natural Resources
- Oil and Mining companies
- NASA
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S Army Corps of Engineers
- Explorations Geologist
- Museum Curator
- Climate Change Scientist
- Earthquake or Volcano Monitor
- Engineering Geologist
Department
Contact
Department Chair
Bernie Housen
ES 240A, 360-650-3581
Bernie.Housen@wwu.edu
Undergraduate Advisor
Vicki Critchlow
ES 240, 360-650-3582
critch@geol.wwu.edu