Geophysics and Climate Physics
Source: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs/geophysics-and-climate-physics-ab-scb Parent: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs
Geophysics and Climate Physics involves applying physics and mathematics to study processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets, over short and long timescales.
Degree Type
A.B., Sc.B.
department
Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
CIP Code
40.0603ℹ
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to categorize educational programs in the U.S. for a variety of reporting purposes. Each program at Brown is assigned a CIP code that best matches its academic curriculum.
Current STEM Eligible CIP Codes
Share
Facebook Twitter_X Linkedin Email
Geophysics and Climate Physics
Geophysics and Climate Physics involves applying physics and mathematics to study processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets, over short and long timescales.
Geophysical approaches are fundamental for understanding how the oceans, atmosphere and ice sheets respond to climate change, managing resources such as water and geothermal energy, mitigating natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and understanding the dynamic processes that shape the surfaces and control the interiors of Earth and other planetary bodies. Geophysics spans both theoretical modeling of physical processes and the analysis of geophysical data (including remote sensing and machine learning), and typically involves computing, as well as lab experiments and field work.
Both A.B. and Sc.B. degrees are offered, requiring 12 and 19 courses, respectively. These degrees build skills in critical thinking, data analysis and modeling, finding solutions to complex problems, and written and oral communication. DEEPS provides a highly collaborative learning environment that emphasizes process-oriented, hands-on approaches in the classroom, in labs and on field trips. There are many opportunities for students to do paid research during the summer or academic year.
Students interested in this concentration may also wish to consider related concentrations: Earth, Climate and Biology, Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, and Earth and Planetary Science.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Understand fundamental processes that shaped the Earth, the other planets and their environments through time
- Study physical interactions in the climate system and the solid Earth, including those that lead to natural hazards, climate change and environmental concerns
- Apply multidisciplinary scientific approaches to finding solutions to societal problems
- Develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, theory and modeling, computing, speaking and writing, and teamwork and leadership
- Build a strong foundation for diverse careers
Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)
Student Leaders: Dev Patel, Gregorio Posada, Lora Johnson, Claire Xu
After graduation, concentrators find success in a wide variety of career options. These span research and management positions in: the private sector (e.g. environmental consulting, sustainable energy and climate solutions, technology); government agencies (e.g. the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Departments of Energy and State); and non-governmental organizations and non-profits, many of which are devoted to the environment. Concentrators also excel as faculty in universities and colleges, and in education at all levels, including work in museums. Concentrators are highly sought after by top-notch graduate programs across the nation, including programs in Earth, environmental and planetary science, and also science policy, law, journalism and education.
What are Geophysics and Climate Physics concentrators doing…
The Director of Undergraduate Studies is typically the first point of contact for prospective concentrators. Once students have declared, they may be assigned a specific concentration advisor from within the department or program.