Students who study geosciences at DePauw University understand geological features and processes that shape the Earth. Graduates of the geoscience program are well-positioned to seek substantive solutions to applied, real-world problems such as dwindling natural resources, disposal of dangerous waste products, destructive earthquakes, and hurricanes dramatic effects of global climate change.
Geoscientists study the Earth, including the materials that compose the planet, the processes that continuously change the planet, and Earth's evolution and life through time. Because these studies involve investigations of relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, the Geosciences are inherently interdisciplinary by nature and include chemistry, biology, and physics. Geoscientists also are addressing increasingly challenging problems that confront a growing human population as we begin the twenty-first century: dwindling water, mineral, and energy resources; earthquake prediction and natural hazard identification; human impacts on the environment at regional and global scales; and safe disposal of toxic and radioactive waste materials.
The Department of Geosciences' goal is to expose students to the complex interplay of Earth systems through active, hands-on learning. Therefore, a DePauw education in Geosciences goes far beyond the traditional classroom. Students work in modern laboratories with extensive mineral, rock, fossil, and map collections. They use computers to model complex systems and simulate geological processes. They receive training on emerging technological tools such as GPS (global positioning systems) and GIS (geographic information systems). They participate in field trips that take them to some of the best geological exposures in the world. Many students spend a summer working closely with faculty on important research problems using state-of-the-art instrumentation. These student-faculty collaborations commonly result in student presentations at national meetings and co-authored publications in refereed journals.
CAREER OPTIONS
Anthropologist/archaeologist, Atmospheric scientist, Civil engineer, Environmental engineer/consultant, Environmental scientist, Geological and petroleum technician, Geologist, Geochemist, Geophysicist, Hydrologist, Mining and geological engineer, National Park Service ranger, Natural science manager, Oceanographer, Paleontologist, Planetary geologist, Petroleum engineer/geologist, Renewable energy consultant, Seismologist, Volcanologist