Mar 29, 2024  
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Earth and Planetary Sciences


             Major Requirements 

              Minor Requirements 

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http://geoweb.gg.utk.edu/

Harry Y. McSween, Interim Head

Professors
Broadhead, T.A. (Director, UT Undergraduate Academic Advancement), PhD - Iowa
Dunne, W.M. (Associate Dean), PhD - Bristol (UK)
Hatcher, Jr., R.D. (UT Distinguished Scientist), PhD - Tennessee
Labotka, T.C., PhD - California Institute of Technology
McKay, L.D. (Jones Professor), PhD - Waterloo
McKinney, M.L., PhD - Yale
McSween, H.Y. (Distinguished Professor of Science), PhD - Harvard
Taylor, L.A. (Distinguished Professor of Science), PhD - Lehigh
 
Associate Professors
Baker, G.S. (Jones-Bibee Professor), PhD - Kansas
Clark, G.M., PhD - Penn State
Fedo, C.M. (Carden Professor), PhD - Virginia Tech
Kah, L.C. (Walker Professor), PhD - Harvard
Moersch, J.E., PhD - Cornell
Perfect, E., PhD - Cornell
 
Assistant Professors
Burr, D.M., PhD - Arizona
Finkelstein, D.B. (Jones Professor), PhD - Illinois
Jessup, M.J., PhD - Virginia Tech
 
Lecturers
Deane, W., MS - Tennessee
Sumrall, C.D., PhD - Texas

 

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences emphasizes study of the Earth and other planetary systems at all scales of observation, in order to understand physical, chemical, and biological processes operating over a range of geologic time scales, from hours to billions of years, and to interpret the future evolution of the Earth and other terrestrial bodies within our solar system.

The core curriculum will provide students with a detailed understanding of rock forming minerals; the physical, chemical, and biological processes involved in rock formation (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic); the biologic and tectonic evolution of the Earth; field recognition of geologic processes; and the composition and evolution of extraterrestrial planets. Students then select a suite of upper-level electives to enhance interests in specific geologic disciplines. These courses are also supplemented by required coursework in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology that will help students develop critical skills valued in today’s job market.

Students graduating with a degree from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences will be highly marketable in traditional fields of environmental consulting and oil & gas exploration, as well as employable in private industry or by such governmental agencies as EPA, NASA, or the United States Geological Survey. The breadth and flexibility of a degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences also provides superb training for students interested in entering into other careers, such as science education, environmental law, science/nature writing, or public policy.

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            Major Requirements 

              Minor Requirements