This outline for an Interdepartmental Major (Geophysics) has been approved by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, by the Mathematics Department and by the Geology Department.
Individuals interested in geophysics should contact Dr. Stierman. Because advanced courses in all three departments have prerequisites, it is important for interested individuals to see Dr. Stierman as soon as possible so that a schedule allowing for graduation within 4 years can be drawn up. Geology courses numbered higher than 2210 are usually offered but once a year and should be taken in the appropriate sequence.
This is a challenging program. It requires both the discipline of classical physics and the creativity needed to work in a natural laboratory where experimental variables are difficult to isolate or control. However, geophysical measurements make it possible to "go where no one has gone before" in a way, discovering features that have been buried, concealed below the earth's surface, never before revealing themselves to humans.
Plus: one or two additional courses selected from among these three departments and approved by the Advisor, sufficient to bring the total interdepartmental credit hour total to 60 semester hours.
Plus: Chemistry 1230 and 1260 (1 semester with laboratory) (5 hours).