Chair: Charles G. Sammis, Ph.D.
Wilford and Daris Zinsmeyer Chair in Marine Studies: Donn S. Gorsline, Ph.D.
Professors: J. Lawford Anderson, Ph.D.*; David J. Bottjer, Ph.D.; Douglas W. Burbank, Ph.D.; Gregory A. Davis, Ph.D.; Tommy D. Dickey, Ph.D.; Robert G. Douglas, Ph.D.; Douglas E. Hammond, Ph.D.; Thomas L. Henyey, Ph.D.; Teh-Lung Ku, Ph.D.; Terence G. Langdon, Ph.D., D.Sc. (Materials Science); Charles G. Sammis, Ph.D.*; Ta-liang Teng, Ph.D.
Associate Professors: Steven P. Lund, Ph.D.; Scott R. Paterson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors: Jean Morrison, Ph.D.; Lowell D. Stott, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professors: William M. Berelson, Ph.D.; Yong-Gang Li, Ph.D.; David A. Okaya, Ph.D.
Research Scientists: Rachel Abercrombie, Ph.D.; James F. Dolan, Ph.D.; Shangde Luo, Ph.D.; Margaret Stramska, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professors: Thomas Clements, Ph.D.; William H. Easton, Ph.D.*; Alfred G. Fischer, Ph.D.; Richard H. Merriam, Ph.D.; Bernard W. Pipkin, Ph.D.*
*Recipient of university-wide or college teaching award.
The Department of Earth Sciences includes a spectrum of disciplines focused on understanding the processes that influence the tectonics and environment of the planet, on using this understanding to read the record of earth history written in rocks and sediments, and on developing models that can be used to predict future changes due to natural phenomena and mankind's perturbations. Issues of societal concern related to seismic risk, climate change, environmental contamination and other geologic hazards play an important role. Sub-disciplines housed in the department include geophysics, geochemistry, structural geology, petrology, marine geology, sedimentology, physical and chemical oceanography, paleoceanography and paleontology. In recognition of the growing diversity of its programs, the department has recently changed its name from Geological Sciences to Earth Sciences.
The department is committed to emphasizing both educational and research programs and views these efforts as complementary. Instruction is offered on several levels. These include introductory classes for non-science majors, undergraduate courses that are appropriate for undergraduates majoring in earth sciences or other science and engineering disciplines, and graduate classes appropriate for advanced degrees. A close working relationship exists between students and faculty members. Classes beyond the introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program. Three research centers are affiliated with the department: the Center for Earth Sciences, the Hancock Institute for Marine Studies and the Southern California Earthquake Center. The graduate program is closely linked with these research efforts, and both graduate and undergraduate students participate in research projects. Collaboration in both research and teaching has led to ties with other programs, including the Department of Biological Sciences, the Environmental Studies Program, the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences, and several departments in the School of Engineering.
For students interested in pursuing careers in the earth and environmental sciences, the department offers B.A., B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition, students may follow the geology concentration offered by the Environmental Studies Program. Many graduates now hold positions in industry as environmental consultants or petroleum geologists, in government as managers or researchers, and in academia as faculty and researchers. The B.A. degree is recommended for students interested in the earth sciences but who intend to pursue careers in other fields, such as business, law, education or other professions. A minor program is also available.
The Los Angeles and Southern California areas have a diverse geology, enabling students to gain broad, first-hand knowledge of geological processes. The department conducts field trips to study Southern California geology, maintains a seismic network in the Los Angeles basin for earthquake research and has access to oceanographic vessels for marine research. Many state-of-the-art laboratory instruments are available for use in research and instruction.
Proof of health insurance is mandatory when participation in field trips is required for credit in any earth sciences class.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995