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The Bachelor of Arts in Geology-Biology at Brown University offers an interdisciplinary education exploring the intersection of Earth and life sciences. Students study how geological processes influence ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental change while gaining a comprehensive understanding of biology, ecology, and evolution. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on research, equipping students with analytical, observational, and laboratory skills to investigate the interactions between Earth's physical environment and living organisms. Through fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and interdisciplinary coursework, students develop the ability to analyze complex natural systems and understand the mechanisms driving ecological and geological change.
The curriculum encourages integrative thinking across multiple scientific disciplines, connecting geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Students engage with topics such as paleontology, geomorphology, ecosystem dynamics, and climate science, cultivating the skills to design experiments, collect and interpret data, and draw meaningful scientific conclusions. Opportunities for independent research, field expeditions, and collaboration with faculty allow students to explore questions at the intersection of Earth and life sciences. Graduates leave the program with a strong foundation in interdisciplinary science, preparing them for careers in research, conservation, environmental policy, and related graduate studies.
Year 1 – Foundations in Geology and Biology
• Introduction to Geological Science
• General Biology I & II
• Chemistry I & II
• Calculus and Quantitative Analysis
Year 2 – Core Principles and Methods
• Mineralogy and Petrology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Ecology and Evolution
• Laboratory Techniques and Field Methods
Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Integration
• Paleontology and Earth History
• Biogeochemistry and Environmental Systems
• Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing
• Elective: Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, or Climate Science
Year 4 – Capstone and Independent Research
• Senior Thesis in Geology-Biology
• Advanced Seminar in Earth and Life Sciences
• Field-Based Research or Internship
• Electives: Environmental Policy, Ecology, or Planetary Science
Graduates of the Geology-Biology program are prepared for careers that require a combination of scientific reasoning, field research, and analytical skills. Alumni work in environmental consulting, conservation, natural resource management, ecological research, and geoscience sectors, contributing to projects involving climate change, habitat preservation, and sustainable development. Others pursue roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions, applying their interdisciplinary knowledge to address environmental and biological challenges. The program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in geology, ecology, environmental science, or biological research, enabling students to specialize further and contribute to scientific discovery and policy development. Graduates’ ability to integrate geological and biological perspectives equips them to analyze complex environmental problems and propose informed, evidence-based solutions.
This program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining geological and biological sciences to explore the interconnectedness of Earth and life. Students benefit from hands-on fieldwork, laboratory research, and mentorship from faculty engaged in cutting-edge studies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and research methodology, preparing students to address environmental and scientific challenges from multiple perspectives. By integrating theory with practical experience, the program equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and analytical tools necessary for careers in research, conservation, environmental management, and policy-making, while fostering a lifelong understanding of the dynamic interactions between Earth systems and living organisms.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States