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College of Arts and Sciences

Major Requirements: Geology-Geophysics

earth and environmental sciences

Classes of 2012-2013

This major combines elements of both the Geology and the Geophysics programs and is considered excellent preparation for those working toward graduate school or employment in industry following graduation with a B.S. degree.

(A) Students majoring in Geology-Geophysics will meet the following course requirements:
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 & Sedimentation GE 265 GE 132
GE 285* Introduction to Structural Geology GE 286 GE 134
GE 418* Hydrogeology
Alternative: GE 297, GE 400, GE 535
  GE 132
GE 424* Environmental Geophysics
Alternative: GE 391, GE 455,
GE 572, GE 660
GE 425 MT 102-103 or
PH 209-210
(B) Three courses from the following list, with at least one in geophysics (**), approved by the student’s advisor:
Course # Course Name Co-requisites Pre-requisites
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 391* Introduction to Geophysics**   GE 134,
MT 102-103,
PH 209-210
GE 398* Statistical Analysis of Scientific Data    
GE 400* Watershed Geomorphology GE 401 GE 132, calculus
and physics
recommended
GE 455* Exploration Seismology** GE 456 MT 102-103,
PH 209-210
GE 480 Applications of GIS GE 481  
GE 485* Advanced Structural Geology GE 486 GE 285
GE 518* Estuarine Studies   calculus and
physics
recommended
GE 530* Marine Geology   GE 132, calculus
and physics
recommended
GE 535* Coastal Processes   calculus and
physics
recommended
GE 543* Plate Tectonics/Mountain Belts   GE 220,
GE 285
GE 572* Geophysical Data Processing**   MT 202,
PH 209-210
GE 660* Introduction to Seismology**   MT 103
(can be taken
concurrently)

*Not Offered Every Year

(C) Each of the following:
  • Calculus through MT 305 (MT 102-103, 202, 305)
  • Two semesters of Chemistry (CH 109-110 with labs CH 111-112 or CH 117-118 with labs CH 119-120)
  • Two semesters of Physics (PH 209-210 with labs PH 203-204)

Note: AP Credits cannot substitute for the natural science corequisites.

Courses in computer science and a summer field geology course are highly recommended in the elective program, as is a senior year research project.

Students should plan their program in consultation with their advisor. Alternatives to this program may be substituted upon approval by the departmental Undergraduate Program Committee.