Graduate Requirements: Geobiology Option

In addition to general Institute and basic division requirements, candidates for the PhD degree in geobiology must successfully complete a minimum of 90 units at the 100 or greater level, including Ge 104 and either Bi/Ch 110. or Ge/ESE 118; and two courses from each of the following three subject menus:

• Geology: Ge 106, 112, 114 ab, 124 ab, Ge/ESE 125.
• Chemistry: Ge/ESE 143, 149, Ge 140 ab, ESE/Ge/Ch 171, 172, ESE/Ch 175, 176.
• Biology: ESE/Bi 166, 168, Ge/ESE/Bi 178, Bi 117, ESE 103.

Other classes may be substituted for these menu requirements with the approval of the option representative. A student with substantial prior experience in geobiology (e.g. an M.S. degree) may use prior coursework to substitute up to 45 of these units on approval of the geobiology option representative. A grade of C- or better is required for all course work that satisfies these requirements. All students must have a basic knowledge of organic chemistry at the level of Ch 41a. This requirement may be met by previous course work or through successful completion of this class. Geobiology students must complete 6 units of Ge 109 (Oral Presentation) in the spring term.

Units at Caltech nominally reflect the total hours a typical student will spend per week in the classroom, the lab and with homework. Thus, a nine unit course may involve three hours in the classroom, two hours in a laboratory and four hours doing homework each week.