Associate Professor Anne F. Gardulski, Chair; Sedimentology, oceanography,
structure, stratigraphy
Professor Jack C. Ridge, Quaternary, glacial, and environmental
geology; geomorphology
Associate Professor Robert L. Reuss, Metamorphic and igneous petrology,
mineralogy
Lecturer Jacob S. Benner, Paleoecology, stratigraphy
Geology is the science of the earth. It involves an interdisciplinary exploration of
the earth's 4.5-billion-year history and a study of the processes that form and shape the
rocks and minerals of the earth. Geology integrates biology, chemistry, astronomy, and
physics in the study of the earth, and has broad applications in engineering,
archaeological, and environmental investigations. Tufts University has well-equipped
geological laboratories and an excellent collection of geologic materials for study and
research. Field trips to the northeastern and southwestern United States offer abundant
opportunities for the study of a great variety of geological phenomena.
Undergraduate Concentration Requirements
The geology department offers two programs: the geological sciences major, for students
who wish to pursue graduate study in geology and related fields, or work at entry-level
jobs; and the geology major, which emphasizes breadth and flexibility for students seeking
a double major, teaching certification, entry to medical programs, careers in
multidisciplinary fields such as environmental law, or a broad-based liberal arts major.
Geological Sciences Major
Students intending to continue with geology after graduation should complete Geology 1 and
2, eight or more geology courses above Geology 9, plus Mathematics
12, Chemistry 2, and Physics 1 and 2 (or 11 and 12) and their labs. The geology
courses should normally include Geology 11, 12, 22, 32, 35, and one of the following:
Geology 36, 102, 115, or 131. Approved related fields courses may replace up to
two upper-level geology courses. Research experience and a six-week geology summer field camp
are strongly recommended.
Geology Major
Students electing this option should complete Geology 1 and 2, eight other geology courses
(except Geology 9), plus
Chemistry 1 and Physics 1 with labs. Approved related fields science courses may
replace as many as three of the upper-level geology courses. Upper-level engineering
courses may substitute for up to two of the upper-level geology courses
with prior written consent.
Undergraduate Minor Program
Geoengineering Minor
The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department offers a minor in geoengineering
available to students of the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Engineering, except
those majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor Lewis Edgers is the
adviser for the minor.
Five courses are required:
Engineering Science 5 Applied Mechanics (Statics)
Engineering Science 9 Applied Mechanics (Strength of Materials)
Civil and Environmental Engineering 12 Introduction to Hydraulic Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering 42 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
One elective selected from:
Civil and Environmental Engineering 112 Hydrology and Water Resource Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering 113 Groundwater Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering 146 Foundation Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering 149 Earth Support Systems
Prerequisites for the above course sequence are Mathematics 12 and Physics 12.
For more detailed information, please see the website http://ase.tufts.edu/geology.
To view Course Descriptions, please go to: http://webcenter.studentservices.tufts.edu/courses/main.asp.