Geophysics, B.S.
Geoscience is the study of the Earth and includes the fields of geology, geophysics and environmental science. Volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides and plate tectonics are some of the things that geoscientists investigate and try to understand. Saint Louis University's Bachelor's of Science in Geophysics is offered through its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.
Geophysics is a more quantitative and instrument-oriented discipline that investigates the Earth’s internal structure and processes by studying seismic waves and variations in the planet’s magnetic and gravitational fields, as well as its rotation.
Students have access to the Saint Louis University Earthquake Center. The Earthquake Center is part of both a regional network that monitors the New Madrid seismic zone and a global network to monitor seismicity around the world. SLU is also home to the Global Geodynamics Project, which records the Earth's gravity field at a number of worldwide stations and maintains standards for the deployment of all superconducting gravimeters.
Curriculum Overview
Students in the geophysics program are given a firm foundation in solid Earth science taking courses in mineralogy, petrology (the study of rocks) and structural geology. Upper-level geophysics courses, with an emphasis on seismology, build on this foundation and ensure students are well prepared for graduate school or work in industry.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Students in the department may have the opportunity for part-time work assisting faculty members with their research. Such jobs expose students to various aspects of science, as well as provide them with some income. Other part-time jobs may also be available elsewhere in the University. The City of St. Louis provides opportunities for science-related volunteer work in places such as the Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo.
Careers
A degree in the geosciences prepares students for a variety of interesting careers. Many geoscientists work in industry or for government agencies concerned with oil and natural gas exploration and production, mining, water resources, civil engineering, waste and pollution management, environmental impact assessment, conservation and land management, policy analysis and implementation education. Students in the program also acquire a solid background in critical thinking, effective communication and computer use.
Admission Requirements
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory course work is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. College admission test scores (ACT or SAT) are used as an additional indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University and are used as qualifiers for certain University scholarship programs. To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be graduating from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and official test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 transferable semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit. Those having completed 24 or more of college credit need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s). In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.
- Graduates will know the founding principles in their field of study, as well as the facts and content appropriate to the field.
- Graduates will be able to use their knowledge to reason about issues in their discipline.
- Graduates will be able to solve quantitative problems in their discipline.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirement | ||
| College core requirements | 54-63 | |
| For additional information about core courses | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| EAS 1010 | Earth Systems I-The Solid Earth | 3 |
| EAS 1020 | Earth's Environment I Lab | 1 |
| EAS 2200 | Mineralogy | 3 |
| EAS 2210 | Mineralogy Lab | 1 |
| EAS 4050 | Petrology | 3 |
| EAS 4060 | Petrology Lab | 1 |
| EAS 4300 | Structural Geology | 3 |
| EAS 4310 | Structural Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| EAS 4510 | Principles of Seismic Exploration | 2 |
| EAS 4520 | Seismic Exploration Lab | 1 |
| EAS 4550 | Principles of Gravity and Magnetic Exploration | 3 |
| EAS 4600 | Introduction to the Physics of the Solid Earth | 3 |
| PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 | Engineering Physics I and Engineering Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 | Engineering Physics II and Engineering Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| MATH 1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Additonal Requirement for the Applied Option | ||
| EAS 4530 | Principles of Electrical Exploration | 3 |
| General Electives | 12-3 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must have a minimum of a 2.00 GPA in their earth and atmospheric science courses and required related credits (biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences, physics, etc.) by the conclusion of their freshman year. Students that fall below a 2.00 GPA will be placed on probation. If a student fails to obtain at least a 2.0 GPA in their major courses and required related credits by the conclusion of their sophomore year they will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Components and Credits | ||
| Foundations of Discourse | 3 | |
| Diversity in the U.S. | 3 | |
| Global Citizenship | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 0-9 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Literature | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 4 | |
| Science | 8 | |
| Philosophy | 6 | |
| Social Science | 6 | |
| Theology | 6 | |
| World History | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 54-63 | |
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses [numbered below 1000]).
- Complete either the College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Core Curriculum Requirements
- Complete Major Requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
- Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate, and/or elective credits to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
- Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
- Complete Dept/Program specific academic and performance requirements.
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
- Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
- Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EAS 1010 & EAS 1020 |
Earth Systems I-The Solid Earth and Earth's Environment I Lab |
4 |
| General elective | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| UNIV 1010 | Univ 101: Enhancing 1st yr Suc | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| EAS 2200 & EAS 2210 |
Mineralogy and Mineralogy Lab |
4 |
| PHYS 1610 & PHYS 1620 |
Engineering Physics I and Engineering Physics I Laboratory |
4 |
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 1630 & PHYS 1640 |
Engineering Physics II and Engineering Physics II Laboratory |
4 |
| MATH 3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| EAS 4050 & EAS 4060 |
Petrology and Petrology Lab |
4 |
| PHYS 3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| EAS 4300 & EAS 4310 |
Structural Geology and Structural Geology Laboratory |
4 |
| MATH 3120 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| EAS 4550 | Principles of Gravity and Magnetic Exploration | 3 |
| EAS 4510 & EAS 4520 |
Principles of Seismic Exploration and Seismic Exploration Lab |
3 |
| General elective | ||
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| EAS 4600 | Introduction to the Physics of the Solid Earth | 3 |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| A&S Core | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| General elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
Program Notes
In freshman and sophomore years, credits for general electives should be used to take mathematics courses that may be required for the upper-level math and earth and atmospheric science courses. It is recommended that general electives in junior and senior years be taken in other upper-level earth and atmospheric science or science courses in consultation with advisor.