Caltech's Geology Program?

Yo, anyone here been through (or know about) the geology program at Caltech? I'm super passionate about this field and was hoping to get a feel for what it's like studying it at Caltech?

Caltech's geology program is part of its Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences and it's renowned for being one of the strongest programs in the country. The program offers a variety of focus areas including geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, and paleoclimatology, among others.

You'll be expected to engage in hands-on research quite early on, which is one of the hallmarks of Caltech's program. Especially if you're pursuing an advanced degree, independent research is a significant focus and many students work closely with faculty members on their projects. The program's small size and the college's overall low student-to-faculty ratio mean that students often form close relationships with their professors and receive individualized attention and mentoring.

The program is rigorous and comprehensive, so expect to be challenged. Courses can cover a wide variety of topics, including the Earth's processes, the history of life on Earth, and the physical properties of the Earth's crust and mantle. There will be a strong emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills, as well as integrating knowledge from other scientific disciplines like physics, chemistry, and biology.

Also worth noting is that Caltech has numerous research facilities including the Caltech Seismological Laboratory and multiple laboratories devoted to studying geochemistry and geophysics.

The college's location in Pasadena, California, also offers a geographical advantage for geology students, with a diverse range of natural environments and geological formations within easy reach for study and fieldwork.

To sum up, Caltech's geology program provides a challenging academic environment, ample research opportunities, and a supportive faculty-student relationship, making it an excellent choice for students passionate about geology.