Bachelor of Science in Geology/Biology

We encourage students of all backgrounds to learn more about how the land, water, and air around us directly affect our lives, whether by taking one course, or several, or a concentration program with independent research. Our faculty offer courses in which they share their expertise and enthusiasm for the geological sciences with non-science and non-geology concentrators. These courses can be an enjoyable and meaningful part of a liberal arts education at Brown, in part thanks to the Department's strong focus on developing students' communication and critical thinking skills. Standard Program for the Sc.B. Degree in Geo/Bio This program is recommended for students interested in graduate study and careers in the Earth, Environmental, or Biological Sciences. It is particularly relevant for students interested in climate or environmental science, Earth systems science, Earth system history, biogeochemistry, oceanography, or paleobiology. Five basic supporting science courses: BIOL 0200 or more advanced. CHEM 0330 (or advanced placement). PHYS 0050 or ENGN 0030, or more advanced. Two courses in mathematics at the level of MATH 0090, 0100 or more advanced, or advanced courses in data analysis. Fourteen (14) concentration courses: GEOL 0220, 0230, 0240, 1240. Three biology courses from the following: BIOL 0390, 0410, 0415, 0420, 0430, 0440, 0480, 1470, 1480, 1500, 1880 Three geological sciences courses from the following: GEOL 0580, 1100, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1150, 1330, 1350, 1370, 1380, 1510 Three additional courses from upper level geological sciences, mathematics, or supporting sciences with approval from the concentration advisor. GEOL 1970 (Senior Research Thesis). Typical upper division elective course sequences: Students interested in environmental science might take: BIOL 0420, 1470, 1480, and 1150, 1330, and 1370, with additional upper level courses in climate, environmental studies, or hydrology. Students interested in biogeochemistry might take: BIOL 0415, 0420, 1480, and GEOL 1130, 1150, and 1370, with additional electives in chemistry, biochemistry, or geochemistry. Students interested in paleobiology might take: BIOL 0390, 0430, and 0480, and GEOL 1120, 1130, and 1150, with additional upper level courses in evolutionary ecology, organismal biology, or genetics. Students interested in Global Climate Change might take: BIOL 0420, 1470,1480, and GEOL 1120, 1350, and 1510, with additional upper level courses in oceanography, physics and mathematics. Students interested in Paleoclimate and Earth System History might take: BIOL 0390, 0420, 0480, and GEOL 1120, 1150, and 1350, with additional upper level courses in the climate sciences, geochemistry, and biogeochemistry.