Overview and Learning Goals

Overview

The Earth and Oceanographic Science (EOS) Department at Bowdoin is a collaborative community of geoscientists who investigate fundamental questions about our planet and climate. In our courses and research, we observe and characterize properties and processes in the earth and ocean by sampling rocks, soils, sediments, shells, ice, and waters. We implement a range of analytical approaches in the classroom, field, and laboratory to study Earth’s systems at all scales. From atoms to oceans, we unravel Earth’s past, understand Earth’s present, and prepare for our future.

Learning Goals

EOS majors:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of components and processes of the Earth and Ocean.
   1. Components such as elements, gases, minerals, rocks, water, glaciers, sediments, and organisms 
   2. Processes such as climate change, plate tectonics, ocean circulation, convection, biogeochemical cycling, weathering, erosion, and deposition 
2. Use evidence to interpret Earth and Ocean processes.
   1. From the surface of Earth to the core 
   2. From atomic to global spatial scales 
   3. From instantaneous to billion-year time scales 
3. Develop research skills used in studying the Earth and Ocean including: 
   1. Ask questions/define hypotheses/design projects  
   2. Make field- and laboratory-based observations 
   3. Collect and analyze data 
   4. Generate maps 
   5. Construct and analyze graphs
   6. Utilize algorithmic thinking, AI, and/or programming 
   7. Use and evaluate models  
   8. Understand uncertainty 
   9. Read and synthesize literature 
   10. Communicate effectively through writing and presentation 
4. Collaborate effectively with peers with varied backgrounds and skill sets as part of an inclusive learning community. 
5. Transition from guided to self-driven and reflective learning. 
6. Evaluate components, connections, and feedbacks of complex systems.  
7. Make connections between earth systems and society, including human impacts on Earth, natural hazards, Earth’s resources, and implications for the future. 

Options for Majoring or Minoring in the Department

Students may elect to major in earth and oceanographic science or to coordinate a major in earth and oceanographic science with digital and computational studies, education, or environmental studies. Students pursuing a coordinate major may not normally elect a second major. Non-majors may elect to minor in earth and oceanographic science.

Department Website