Earth Sciences Minor
The undergraduate program in the Department of Earth Sciences provides an understanding of the materials that constitute the earth and the processes that have shaped the earth from deep in its interior to the surface environment—geology. Geology applies all the basic sciences—biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics—to understanding earth processes in the historical context of geologic time. It is a science that explores problems by combining field investigations with laboratory experiments and theoretical studies.
Geology also addresses many natural hazards—earthquakes, flooding, and volcanic eruptions—that affect humans. It addresses the impact of humans on the earth’s surface environment, where we pollute rivers and ground water, cause rapid erosion and landslides, or attempt to re-engineer rivers and shorelines.
Minor Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one of the following three-course sequences: | 12 | |
| Exploring Planet Earth and Exploring Earth’s Environment and Exploring Earth History | ||
| Dynamic Planet Earth and Earth's Surface and Environment and History of Life | ||
| Choose from the following courses: 1 | 16 | |
| Geology of National Parks | ||
ERTH 300 - ERTH 499 | ||
| Total Credits | 28 | |
| 1 | 16 credits of earth sciences courses (exclusive of independent study courses) must be earned with course numbers greater than ERTH 299 (ERTH 213 is acceptable, however). No more than 8 credits may be applied to the minor from the following list: Geology of National Parks (ERTH 213), The Fossil Record (ERTH 304), Dinosaurs (ERTH 305), Volcanoes and Earthquakes (ERTH 306), Oceanography (ERTH 307), Geology of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest (ERTH 308), Earth Resources and the Environment (ERTH 310). |
Undergraduate minors must take all required courses for letter grades and complete them with grades of C– or better.