Interdisciplinary Minor

The Earth and Planetary Science minor gives students a broad understanding of processes that formed and modified the Earth and other planets in the solar system. The curriculum introduces a wide range of topics, from surface phenomena such as weather and climate, to the Earth’s internal composition and dynamics. Transcending the boundaries of traditional geological studies, the Earth and Planetary Science program focuses on the way large Earth systems such as the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact and evolve. Further emphasis is placed on the fundamental physical and chemical laws that govern the cycling of matter and energy on the Earth. Together, these complementary approaches help to provide students with a comprehensive view of the planet’s origin and evolution, as well as an enlightened appreciation for the forces at work in our natural environment.

Earth & Planetary Science Minor Requirements

This minor can be combined with any major at Washington College. It comprises six courses, to be chosen as follows:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Courses		20
ENV 140	Exploring the Solid Earth with Lab
ENV 141	Atmosphere, Ocean & Environment w/Lab
ENV/PHY 240	Earth and Planetary Systems with Lab
MAT 111	Differential Calculus
or MAT 106	Stretch Differential Calculus I
or MAT 107	Stretch Differential Calculus II
ANT/ENV 109	Intro to Geographic Information Systems
Select 1 Course From Below		4
CHE 120 & CHE 122	Chem Principles Org Molecules with Lab and Chemical Principals Orgnc Molecules Lab
ENV 320	Climate Change
PHY 111	General Physics I with Lab
Total Credits		24

Charlie Kehm, Director