The Geosphere is the center of the global ecosystem.  It is the ultimate source and repository for all resources, as well as the substrate for the biosphere.  The Geosciences are therefore the broadest, most multidisciplinary of all the sciences. 

At URI, our approach to the study of the Geosciences reflects this.  While we still offer traditional, rigorous training in geology, our home in URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) is an acknowledgement of the broad scope of the geosciences.   Students obtaining degrees within the Department of Geosciences can pursue a wide variety of environmentally related issues, incorporating in their studies the entire spectrum of expertise available within CELS.  Our curricula are designed to take advantage of the unique focus of our College, and are a blueprint for multidisciplinary solutions to environmental problems.