Geosciences

Geological Sciences applies the observational, experimental, and theoretical methods of the basic sciences to determining the geologic history of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Scripps researchers and students focus on the oceans, although research on aspects of continental geology (especially volcanology) also is conducted. Graduate students routinely participate in expeditions at sea, and many doctoral theses evolve from these experiences.

Research areas in Geological Sciences include global and regional tectonics and volcanism; geomorphology, structure, and deformation of the oceanic crust and continental margins; igneous and metamorphic petrology; composition and evolution of Earth's mantle; marine sedimentation and diagenesis; stratigraphy and paleoceanography; evolution of oceanic life, hydrogeology and paleomagnetics.

Programs of study vary widely among the curricular programs, but generally first-year students are expected to enroll in core courses that cover physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography and in other courses recommended by the student's faculty advisor. By the end of the first year, students usually select a particular area of focus and choose a major professor. Students are expected to conduct a first year research project and begin to develop a thesis project, usually in the first year of study. As students advance beyond the first year, they begin to work as research assistants, high level technical personnel or, in some cases, as teaching assistants. All students are expected to pass a Departmental exam after their first year of study and a thesis Qualifying exam before the end of their third year. Thereafter, they work toward completing their dissertations. The interdisciplinary nature of research in marine and earth sciences is emphasized; students are encouraged to take courses in several programs and departments, and to select research problems of interdisciplinary character.

Students in Geological Sciences will be responsible for material offered in Marine Geology (SIO 240) during the first two years of graduate studies. The basic courses in physical, biological and chemical oceanography (SIO 210, 260, 280) as well as active participation in research at sea are considered essential for the Oceanography degree. Some, or all, of these courses will normally be taken by candidates for the Earth Sciences degree. Other courses in oceanography and related areas will be selected and scheduled depending on the student's background and interests. In some cases a student's program may include course work in selected subject areas given at other campuses. Normally students will take a comprehensive Departmental Examination near the end of their third quarter of residence.