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Earth and Climate Sciences (BS)

Program Code: U-ECS-BS
Degree Designation: Bachelor of Science
Department: Earth and Climate Sciences
Website: nicholas.duke.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/earth-climate-sciences

Program Summary

The Earth and Climate Science major is for students interested in the science of how planet Earth works, and creating scientific solutions to earth and environmental challenges such as climate change, water use, sustainable development of mineral resources, clean energy production, as well understanding Earth’s long geological and biological evolution.

The Division of Earth and Climate Sciences offers introductory and advanced courses in climatology, coastal processes, geology, water sciences, hydrology, geomorphology, physical oceanography, petrology, geological history, and energy. The majors are administered by the Nicholas School of the Environment. Additional information about the division can be found on the divisional website.

A bachelor of science degree is offered for students interested in pursuing further studies or professional work in earth and climate sciences and related fields, or for students who intend to apply their scientific and analytic training to other professional careers, such as business, consulting, law, or medicine.

Go to Programs by Department to view all related programs.

Academic Requirements

At least 10 units total to complete the major. At least 34 units total to earn a degree.

  • Corequisites (5 units)

    • At least 1 course from each of the following areas:

      • Chemistry: CHEM 21, or CHEM 101DL, or CHEM 110DL

      • Math: MATH 21, or MATH 111L

      • Physics: PHYSICS 25, or PHYSICS 121L, or PHYSICS 141L

    • At least 2 courses from any of the following:

      • Biology: BIOLOGY 201L, or BIOLOGY 202L, or BIOLOGY 207

      • Chemistry: CHEM 201DL, or CHEM 210D

      • Computer Science or Engineering: COMPSCI 101L, or EGR 103L

      • Math: MATH 112L

      • Physics: PHYSICS 142L

      • Statistics: STA 101L, or STA 199L

  • Gateway Course (1 unit)

    • ECS 101

    • ECS 103

  • Experiential Course (1 unit)

    • ECS 210S

    • ECS 212S

  • Field Course (1 unit)

    • ECS 226S

    • ECS 287A

    • ECS 288A

    • ECS 401

    • ECS 402S

    • ECS 403

    • ECS 410S

  • Electives (7 units)

    • Must include at least 1 Earth Science Area course

    • Must include at least 1 Climate Science Area course

    • A comprehensive list of elective courses is available to students in the degree audit system.

Graduation with Distinction

The Division of Earth and Climate Sciences through Trinity College offers Graduation with Distinction through the successful completion of a student research project. A candidate for Graduation with a Distinction in Earth and Climate Sciences must have a grade point average of 3.2 in the major at the beginning of the project to qualify for nomination. The student will apply for consideration for Graduation with Distinction by the beginning of their senior academic year by submitting an application to the director of undergraduate studies describing the project. The student must identify a faculty advisor who has agreed to oversee the project. The student will normally do the work as part of research independent study courses (Earth and Climate Sciences 393, 394) completed during one academic year. The project will consist of an original piece of scientific research, which will be summarized by a written report in the style of a scientific publication. The student will also give a poster presentation to students and faculty of the division before the end of classes of the student’s final semester. The decision on granting Graduation with Distinction will be made by a vote of the student’s project committee, with a majority in favor needed for Graduation with Distinction.

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