The department seeks to make students more aware of the physical world and its development through time. Each introductory course is designed to cover a broad group of topics from a different perspective. Students may elect any of the 100 level courses.
Geology applies many scientific disciplines to investigate problems of the earth.
Fieldwork is an essential part of geologic training and is part of many classes and of most independent research projects. The Environmental Sciences Concentration at Bryn Mawr allows students to explore the interactions between the geosphere, biosphere, and human societies. The concentration, offered jointly by the Departments of Anthropology, Biology, and Geology, takes the form of concentrations in each of the three departments. Additional courses in the allied sciences are strongly recommended and are required by most graduate schools. A student who wishes to follow a career in geology should plan to attend a summer field course, usually following the completion of the 200 level courses.