Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry
Source: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs/geochemistry-and-environmental-chemistry-ab-scb Parent: https://www.brown.edu/undergraduate-programs
Geochemistry concentrators apply chemical principles and approaches to investigate processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets.
Degree Type
A.B., Sc.B.
department
Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
CIP Code
40.0602ℹ
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
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomed
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Geological Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
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Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry
Geochemistry concentrators apply chemical principles and approaches to investigate processes that operate on and within the Earth and other planets.
Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry offers two different emphases. Low-temperature geochemistry involves study of chemical and biochemical processes on and near Earth’s surface, including land, oceans and freshwater bodies, and how the geochemical record reflects climate conditions. High-temperature geochemistry includes study of formation and evolution of the Earth and other planets, magma formation and properties, volcanic activity, and metamorphism.
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, Geophysics and Climate Physics, 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 chemical and 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, speaking and writing, and teamwork and leadership
- Build a strong foundation for diverse careers
Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)
Student Leaders: Evan Donnachie, Gabriel Traietti
Graduating Class
| Class Year | Total Students | Honors Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 1 |
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 Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry 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.