undergraduate
apply to dartmouth

Undergraduate

Earth and Planetary Science involves the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes on Earth and other planets over time. We study not only rocks and minerals, but also rivers and oceans, ice and snow, and the atmosphere and climate. We are interested in the origins of the solar system, in the internal processes of planetary bodies, in the evolution of life on Earth and other planets, in understanding processes occurring on Earth today and in the distant past, and in understanding what lies ahead for the future of our planet. Earth and Planetary Scientists explore, understand, and monitor the Earth to protect it and the people who live on it. Our students find employment in a wide array of professions, including law, business, policy, writing, education, medicine, science, art, and engineering.

 

  • rock search2

    Students search for radio rocks as part of ongoing research on Blood Brook, Norwich VT 

MORE THAN CLASSES

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) offers much more than just classes. Undergraduate students play a vital role in cutting-edge research and everyday life. The relatively small size of the department facilitates regular access to the faculty, graduate students, research associates, postdoctoral scholars, and staff. We feel strongly that these factors make our department a unique and exceptional opportunity for outstanding students interested in undergraduate study in how our planet and greater solar system work.

RESEARCH AND PEDAGOGY

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND PEDAGOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES

Research at Dartmouth takes many forms. The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences faculty, research associates, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students welcome undergraduate research assistants to do a wide variety of research projects. These can range from measuring element and isotope abundances on mass spectrometers to analyzing remotely-sensed data from Mars, from running sediment transport experiments in a flume tank to measuring stratigraphic sections in remote mountain ranges, from mathematical modeling of large glaciology datasets to analyzing atmospheric meteorological data, and many more. Many EAPS students start working as research assistants in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences as early as their first year at Dartmouth. In addition, Senior Honors research projects provide a chance to work independently, commonly on an open-ended research project. The Department takes pride in having one of the highest proportions of majors choosing to pursue Senior Honors research at Dartmouth!

ROX Star Fellowship: The ROX Star Fellowship program for undergraduates offers paid research assistant opportunities for up to 10 hours per week. Responsibilities vary by project and may include assisting graduate students. Applicants must have completed at least one EAPS course and cannot get paid for research activities related to academic courses such as EAPS 90, 91, 92, and 93. 

Information sessions are typically held in the first week of the fall term and the fifth week of the winter and spring terms. Before applying, ensure you have the time and commitment necessary to fully engage in research. Due to limited project availability, not all applicants can be accommodated.

Fellowships are awarded for one term. To continue for additional terms, you must reapply. For any terms beyond the first, you are encouraged to apply for URAD funding. Ongoing participation requires the continued support and approval of your research mentor.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UG TAs): The Department also offers undergraduate teaching assistant (TA) positions for select courses. To be eligible, you must have previously completed the course. TA responsibilities vary but may include assisting in labs and holding office hours. These positions typically require only a few hours per week.

Information sessions are typically held in the first week of the fall term and the fifth week of the winter and spring terms. Hiring decisions are made at the discretion of the course instructor.

Learning Goals

Students completing an undergraduate degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences are expected to:
 
1. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts in the Earth and Planetary Sciences, including concepts of: geologic time and distance scales; how Earth is a dynamic system characterized by the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes; the structure, mechanics, and chemistry of Earth materials; and the concept of uncertainty as it applies to our understanding and analysis of Earth processes, resources, and hazards.

2. Work individually and collaboratively to apply appropriate field, laboratory, and computational methods to collect and interpret Earth and Planetary Science data.  This includes creating and interpreting spatial and temporal data, exploring complex systems through a combination of data reduction, modelling, and quantitative analysis, and identifying sources of uncertainty and the limits of Earth and Planetary Science data and knowledge.

3. Communicate – in written and oral form, research questions, results, and interpretations to the scientific community, as well as an understanding and ability to communicate the broader impacts and implications of Earth and Planetary Science research to the public.

ADVICE

CONTEMPLATING A CAREER IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES?

Students contemplating a professional career in Earth and Planetary Sciences are advised that: 

  • First, see the Careers Tab at the top of this page for information about the most common career paths in Earth and Planetary Science.
  • Second, consider that training at the Masters (MS) level or above is becoming increasingly necessary and most graduate schools have minimum entrance requirements equivalent to MATH 3 and 8, CHEM 5-6, and PHYS 3-4 or 13-14.
  • Finally, all of the EAPS faculty, research associates, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students are happy to discuss potential career opportunities.