Geology
Why Study Geology at Bryn Mawr?
The Geology program offers a well-rounded Earth science education, balancing fundamental knowledge of geology with problem-solving and communication skills. Field and lab experiences are essential parts of geology training. Field trips and lab work are part of the geology program from introductory programs through advanced independent research.
Geoscientists work tirelessly address the environmental challenges of the modern world. A central piece of understanding and predicting Earth processes and environmental changes is learning about our past from geologic records. Thus, a major in Geology at Bryn Mawr College includes studying physics, chemistry, history, and biology as we work to piece together the mysteries of Earth’s past to light the way to a sustainable future.
Courses of Study
The Geology program offers a a major and minor in geology, as well as a concentration in geochemistry. You can review the course requirements by clicking the buttons below.
Course Highlights
Geology unites the past, present, and future in a field of interdisciplinary scientific research. The courses offered by the geology program immerse students in hands on research from 100 level courses through graduation.
GEOL B108 Earth's Oceans: Past, Present, and Future
This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of oceanography with an emphasis on how Earth's oceans are tied to life and climate and how we study these links in the present and in the fossil record. We will spend much time understanding how the modern ocean works and how biogeochemical cycles interact with it. A major focus will be how we can use the ocean's past and present to make predictions about its future. This is a flipped course in which students study pre-recorded presentations outside of class. Class time is devoted to labs, demonstrations, and other activities.
GEOL B203 Biosphere Through Time
We will explore how the Earth-life system has evolved through time by studying the interactions between life, climate, and tectonic processes. During the lab component of the course, we will study important fossil groups to better understand their paleoecology and roles in the Earth-life system.
GEOL B209 Natural Hazards
A quantitative approach to understanding Earth processes that impact human societies. We will examine earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storms, and floods and explore the risks that they pose to communities. Course emphases include the fundamental physical principles and processes that govern natural hazards, approaches to mitigating the effects of natural disasters and responding in their aftermath, and examples of natural disasters from the recent and historical past. Lecture three hours a week.
Students' Perspectives
What students of geology are saying about their experience:
Miya Matsumune '26
"My time in the Energy Afterlives 360 Course Cluster in 2023 changed my life. It introduced me to professors, students, and theories that fundamentally influenced my outlook on the world. It informed my decision to double-major in Geology and History, and expanded my idea of what a college course could be."
Faculty Spotlight
Arlo Brandon Weil
Marion Bridgman Slusser Professor in the Sciences and Professor and Chair of Geology
After graduating from the University of Oregon and interning with the US Geological Survey in Alaska, Professor Weil took a break from geology to focus on skiing and becoming a chef. He went on to pursue his Masters and eventually PhD in Geology from the University of Michigan. He has been sharing his love of geology and the outdoors with students at Bryn Mawr College for more than 20 years. Professor Weil's resume includes 55 peer reviewed publications, dozens of abstracts, speaking engagements across the US, and supervision of dozens of research projects.
A Bright Future
How geology grads are lighting their paths
Rachel Clark '16It was so different and exciting to be out on a research vessel collecting brand new data in the ocean. "
Facilities
Opportunities for Geology Major and Minors
Research
As a geology student, you have the opportunity to participate in research alongside professors each year during Fall or Spring Break trips. You also have the chance work with professors in the lab and in the field via a summer research grant. At the conclusion of the research you may be asked to produce a poster presentation or co-author a paper.
Internships
You are encouraged to take on summer internships for hands on career experience.
Study Abroad
Geology happens everywhere, and numerous approved study abroad programs are compatible with your studies at Bryn Mawr. We encourage geology majors to find an international program that sparks their scientific curiosity.
Research Spotlight: What Can the Fossil Record Tell Us About Today's Reef Crisis?
Professor Pedro Marenco investigates what fossils can tell us about today's environmental crisis.
Lucy Dellera '28Studying the reef systems made me realize that I love seeing where life and deep time intersect."
STEM News
Geology is one part of a rich scientific field of inquiry at Bryn Mawr. Check out what other members of our community are doing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics:
Contact Us
Geology
Marion Bridgman Slusser Professor in the Sciences and Professor and Chair of Geology
Arlo Brandon Weil
Email aweil@brynmawr.edu
Phone (610) 526-5113
Academic Administrative Assistant
Andrew Gallagher
Email agallaghe1@brynmawr.edu
Phone (610) 526-7392