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PrincetonUniversity |
Department of GeosciencesThe intellectual excitement of modern earth sciences is fueled by our increasing appreciation of the interaction between the many dynamic forces that shape our planet. These interactions link subjects as diverse as the evolution of continents, global climate change, and evolution. The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduates the refreshing combination of a solid curriculum in the sciences and an opportunity to do leading research in a number of these fields, all within a relatively small, close-knit department. Class sizes are small, varying from about four to twenty students and allow for a stimulating, well-paced, and intimate environment. Professors are, for the most part, easy to meet and very willing to devote time outside the classroom to students. The small size of the department allows students to work more closely with advisers on their junior papers and senior theses than in many other departments: professors read and help revise papers, train students in the use of analytical lab equipment, and provide general advice and guidance. Despite its small size, the geosciences department has a healthy diversity of students, not only with different backgrounds, but also with different interests and career goals. The prebusiness, prelaw, or premed undergraduate is as much a part of the department as the aspiring professor of geophysics. Since geology encompasses all the natural sciences, students are given much greater latitude in their pursuit of study than in other science departments. Interests range from environmental studies, geochemistry, geophysics, or geobiology all the way to traditional areas of field geology and paleontology There are two basic tracks in the department. The earth science track allows students to take courses in different fields within geology, such as geophysics, geochemistry, or oceanography. The earth policy track, offered in cooperation with the Woodrow Wilson School, allows students to combine their interest in the earth sciences with training in public affairs by substituting some Woodrow Wilson School courses for geology courses. Whichever track students choose, they are encouraged to design programs that suit their individual interests and goals. This diversity of interests among departmental majors is reflected in the many varied occupations of Princeton geology graduates. Many have gone on to graduate school, or business and industry. Some have opened up their own companies; some teach. The flexibility in the department is well suited to those interested in the Program in Teacher Preparation. Students have been offered top positions wherever they have chosen to go. Graduate schools, business, and industry recognize the scientific accomplishments of graduates from our department as well as the lasting value of their Princeton training. Independent work is a very important part of the geology concentration. The junior colloquium, a series of luncheon talks once a week during the fall, is organized by the faculty to introduce juniors and sophomores to current topics of research in the department, and to each other. While all A.B. programs require junior independent work and senior theses, the geosciences department places special emphasis on these for developing scientific and technical writing proficiency, as well as research ability. Students give oral presentations of their independent work to faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students, and they field questions on their work. Because of the department's small size and the close working relationship between professors and undergraduates, concentrators often work with professors on current research projects. Students have presented their independent work at national meetings and have written papers with professors for publication in scientific journals. Because of this emphasis on independent research, the department has funds devoted specifically to help pay for undergraduate research projects. Money from these funds has allowed students to carry out fieldwork all over the world, as well as to pay for field and lab equipment. Despite these obvious enticements, what often wins potential majors is the department's friendly atmosphere. The small size of the department and self-selection of the students leads to a remarkably cohesive graduating class. Class and department-wide field trips allow people to work together and study "real world" geologic problems. This experience reaches its peak during a five-week summer field course in the picturesque Beartooth Mountains, near Red Lodge, Montana. Many undergraduates rate Red Lodge as the highlight of their entire Princeton education.
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