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
Corequisites. Math 111L, Chem 101, Physics 141; and a choice of two from Math 112L, Chem 201 or 210, Physics 142, Biology 201 or Biology 202 or Biology 207, Statistics 101, Computer Sciences 101 or Engineering 103, or equivalent.
Gateway Course. ECS 101 and ECS 103
Experiential Course. ECS 210 or ECS 212S
Field Courses. One course from ECS 226S, ECS 288A, ECS 289A, ECS 401, ECS 402S, ECS 403, or ECS 410, or approved substitution.
Electives. At least one course from each of the two subject areas (Earth Science Area and Climate Science Area), and an additional 5 courses from either area, the latter may include up to one course from the Field Course List (in addition to the one-course field course requirement). Up to 2 courses may be substituted from related areas of science, mathematics or engineering, with DUS approval.
Earth Science Area
ECS 201 The Solid Earth
ECS 203 The Surface of the Earth
ECS 204 Evolving Earth and Life
ECS 220 Water Sciences
ECS 325 The Anthropocene
EOS 226 Field Methods in the Earth and Environmental Sciences
ECS 315 Waves, Beaches, and Coastlines
ECS 323 Landscape Hydrology
Climate Science Area
ECS 202 Ocean and Atmospheric Dynamics
ECS 231 Energy and the Environment
ECS 239 Atmospheric Chemistry
ECS 364S Changing Oceans
ECS 365 Weather and Climate
ECS 509S Paleoclimate
ECS 511 The Climate System
ECS 550 Climate and Society
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.