Major Requirements: Geology
earth and environmental sciences
Classes of 2012-2013
Geology is the study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth, including studies of mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentation, and paleontology. This major is designed for students who are considering careers as geologists. Students may wish to major in geology for a variety of reasons including:
- a desire to work professionally in one of the earth sciences,
- a desire to obtain an earth science foundation preparatory for post-graduate work in environmental studies, resource management, environmental law, or similar fields where such a background would be useful,
- a desire to teach earth science in secondary schools, or
- a general interest in the earth sciences.
The department provides students with the skills and varied background needed to address these problems. Earth scientists are naturally interdisciplinary and use science to solve real-world problems. Today’s earth scientist can choose to work in the field in almost any area of the world, in ultra-modern laboratories equipped with the latest computing equipment, or commonly in some combination of these. Whether exploring for petroleum thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean, using geophysics to better understand earthquakes for improved city or emergency planning, or working with governmental agencies or industry to analyze pollution, the earth sciences provide exciting possibilities for a rewarding career. Geology majors should work out their programs closely with a departmental advisor to ensure both breadth and depth in their subject area, and to meet the student’s interests and objectives.
Students majoring in Geology need to complete the following courses, with a total of ten courses in the department.
A. Students majoring in Geology must take the following seven courses:
| Course # | Course Name | Co-requisites | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE 132 | Exploring the Earth I | GE 133 | |
| GE 134 | Exploring the Earth II Alternative: At least 3 credits from GE courses numbered above 200 |
GE 135 | GE 132 |
| GE 220 | Earth Materials | GE 221 | GE 132 |
| GE 264* | Stratigraphy and Sedimentation | GE 265 | GE 132 |
| GE 372* | Petrology I Alternative: GE 370-373 |
GE 373 | GE 220 |
| GE 374* | Petrology II Alternative: GE 374-377 |
GE 375 | GE 372 |
| GE 285* | Introduction to Structural Geology | GE 286 | GE 134 |
*Not offered every year.
B. At least three additional electives (with a minimum of two numbered 300 or above) in the department to bring the total number of departmental courses to ten.
C. Also required is a minimum of:
- Two semesters of Calculus (MT 102-MT 103 or MT 105)
- Two semesters of Physics (PH 209-210 with labs PH 203-204)
- Two semesters of Chemistry (CH 109-110 with labs CH 111-112 or CH 117-118 with laboratory CH 119-120)
Note: AP Credits cannot substitute for the natural science corequisites.
Other Options
A geology or geophysics summer field course may be substituted for one of the courses in (B) above. A file of summer field course programs is kept in the department office.
The department strongly advises that mathematics beyond MT 103 be taken such as those required for the Geology-Geophysics major listed below. Also recommended is a geology summer field course for anyone planning a professional career in geology. Credit from a summer field course may be used for one of the 300 level department electives upon written approval by the departmental Undergraduate Program Committee prior to taking the field course.
Elective courses both within and outside the department should be determined by the student and their advisor. Alternatives to this program may be substituted upon petition to and approval by the departmental Undergraduate Program Committee.