The major in Chemistry is elected by students planning careers in the chemical sciences and frequently also by those whose interests lie in biology, medicine, earth sciences, secondary education, business, and law. The curriculum of the Department is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of these students and others who may have occasion to study chemistry. The undergraduate program of the Chemistry Department emphasizes close contact with research. Chemistry majors are urged to engage in research or independent study under the direction of a faculty member.

Influence of atmospheric chemistry on climate and air quality. Role of microbial diversity of ocean biogeochemistry. Energy transport across the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and cryosphere. These are just a few of questions being answered by researchers who study the science of the Earth as a system. The Bachelor of Science program provides students with a solid scientific understanding of Earth system science, which can lead to careers in science, research, or technical fields.

Highlights of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Program:

• Scientific aspects of environmental problems
• Prepares students for graduate studies or careers in science, research, or technical fields
• Classes in earth system science, weather and climate, oceanography, hydrology, and ecology
• Research opportunities available

The Gulf Oil Spill. Global Climate Change. Drought and Water Supply. Each of these topics illustrates the need for students to understand many dimensions of earth and environmental issues, including natural science, policy, and social science. In the Fall, 2011 quarter, ESS will welcome the first incoming freshman in the Earth and Environmental Studies program. This Bachelor of Arts program provides students with a foundation in earth system science, along with other disciplines in the natural and social sciences to make a real difference in society.

Highlights of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Program:

• Scientific, socioeconomic, and policy aspects of environmental problems
• Graduates are prepared for careers in government, non-profit, and private industry that involve both science and policy
• Classes in local and global environmental issues, sustainability, and climate change
• Senior project in sustainability

The major in Mathematics prepares students to understand the fundamental mathematical tools that apply to the wide array of statistical, business, economic, financial, engineering, biological, physical and natural sciences. The undergraduate program covers the theories and applications of calculus, linear and abstract algebra, analysis and differential equations, numerical methods, probability and statistics, number theory and logic, and geometry and topology. This knowledge is paramount to the study of many disciplines, making the study of mathematics a truly interdisciplinary one. Students can then choose from many electives to concentrate or specialize in statistics, economics, applied and computational math, or education during their junior and senior years. 

The major in Physics serves to develop expert problem solvers with a broad understanding of physical principles. The program is flexible and prepares students for careers in industrial research, applications programming, education, law, or business, as well as for graduate study in astronomy, biomedical physics, engineering, or physics. Annual mandatory meetings with faculty advisors assist students in selecting a program that matches their aptitudes and interests. In addition to the core Physics courses, students complete either a standard track (such as the track for future Ph.D. physicists), or one of the formal concentrations or specializations (in Applied Physics, Biomedical Physics, Computational Physics, Philosophy of Physics, Physics Education, or Astrophysics).