Earth Science: Environmental Science, BA
The Earth Science major provides graduates with a broad understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in and on the planet and how direct and indirect methods are used to examine and understand the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth. Graduates appreciate how humans and ecosystems interact with the dynamic Earth, and they have an in-depth knowledge of the atmosphere and climate change, the rock cycle, natural hazards, and the hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. Additionally, they understand how to measure and use the structure, sequence, and properties of rocks, sediments, and fossils to reconstruct events in Earth's history and identify potential natural hazards or earth resources.
The Environmental Science concentration within the Earth Science major integrates geology, biology, chemistry, and physics in an effort to have students undertake a scientific study of the environment and the effects of humans on Earth systems.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 35. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/earth/earth-science/environmental-science-concentration
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Requirement | ||
| ENVS 1000 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Introduction to Geology | ||
| Natural Disturbances and Disasters | ||
| Earth and Life Through Time | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Global Climate Change | ||
| Environmental Case Studies | ||
| Penn Global Seminar: Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability | ||
| Math, Physics & Chemistry Requirement | ||
| Select 3 course units of Math, Physics and Chemistry courses with at least one course from two different disciplines. | 3 | |
| Mathematics: | ||
| Calculus, Part I | ||
or MATH 1410 | Calculus, Part II | |
or MATH 1510 | Calculus, Part II with Probability and Matrices | |
or STAT 1110 | Introductory Statistics | |
| Physics: | ||
| General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound | ||
or PHYS 0150 | Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
or PHYS 0170 | Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
| General Physics: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics | ||
or PHYS 0151 | Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
or PHYS 0171 | Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
| Geophysics | ||
| Chemistry: | ||
| Introduction to General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| Introduction to General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| Geochemistry | ||
| Earth & Environmental Systems | ||
| Select 5 course units in Earth & Environmental Systems with at least one ENVS, one EESC course and two at the 3000-level or above | 5 | |
| Living Systems | 5 | |
| Introduction to Biology A | ||
| Introduction to Biology B (and AP Credit) | ||
| Ecology: From individuals to ecosystems | ||
1 elective course from the pre-approved Living Systems course list 2 | ||
| Or | ||
| Introduction to Biology - The Molecular Biology of Life | ||
| Ecology: From individuals to ecosystems | ||
3 elective courses from the pre-approved Living Systems course list 2 | ||
| Curriculum Related Practical Experience | ||
| Field Course or Equivalent Experience | ||
| Total Course Units | 35 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Pre-approved Living Systems course list can be found here.
Honors
Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA in the major and complete a Senior Thesis with a B+ or above.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select 2 course units of courses from the approved list on EESC website | 2 | |
| Senior Thesis (2 semesters (0.5 CU each)) | ||
| Environmental Studies Research Seminar for Juniors | ||
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2022 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.