BA.GE.PH - Geology-Physics (Major)

Required Geology Courses (25 Credits)

• One introductory course plus lab, chosen from:

  • Geology 110 and 111

  • Geology 120 and 121

  • Geology 125 and 126

• Geology 227, 270, 310, 358, 405, 420, and 470

Required Physics Courses (21-22 Credits)

• Physics 145/145L, 155/155L, or 347

• Physics 156/156L, 245, 255, and 267

• Two courses chosen from Physics 325, 339, 347, 357, and 385

  • Physics 347 may not be used to satisfy multiple requirements.

Required Supporting Science Courses (17 Credits)

• Chemistry 125 and 135

• Mathematics 125, 126, 225, and 244

Senior Requirements

• Geology 470

• Senior assessment

  • Comprehensive written exams in both Geology and Physics

  • One-hour oral exam by Physics and Geology faculty

Honors

• Students submit an “Honors in Major Study” application to the department.

• Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which they are eligible.

• Accumulated at least 87 credits

• Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman

• Major GPA of at least 3.500

• Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program.

• Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course.

• Pass the senior assessment with distinction.

• The department will submit the honors applications to the Registrar’s Office of students pursuing honors by the specified deadline.

• The department will submit the “Senior Assessment/Major Study Certificate” to the Registrar’s Office no later than Reading Day.

• An acceptable digital copy of the Honors Thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day.