Geology: Geophysics, BS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)
The Specialized Curriculum in Geology (BS) is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in geology or geophysics or who wish to work professionally in the environmental field upon obtaining the bachelor's degree. It consists of geology, geophysics, and environmental geology areas, and offers more training in geology and related science than is required of students who make geology their major in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum. Students must choose one of the following: Geology, Geophysics, or Environmental Geology.
Undergraduate Degree Programs in Geology
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Students select one of the following in consultation with an adviser:
- Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters)
- Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters), Earth and Environmental Sciences Concentration
- Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters), Earth Science Teaching Concentration
For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology
Students select one of the following in consultation with an adviser:
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)
Graduation requires a grade point average of at least 2.0 overall and a 2.0 average in all required science and technical courses (geology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and technical requirements listed below). The Department of Geology will supply upon request a Guide for Geology Undergraduates giving more information about the curriculum.
Departmental Distinction: Students majoring in Geology can earn distinction, high distinction, and highest distinction upon graduation. The requirements for these awards are:
Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3, and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone
High Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone
Highest Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7, and also completed an approved senior thesis or approved research capstone
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 126 hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry: Select one group of courses: | 8-9 | |
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry Lab I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry Lab II | ||
or | ||
| Accelerated Chemistry I | ||
| Accelerated Chemistry Lab I | ||
| Accelerated Chemistry II | ||
| Accelerated Chemistry Lab II | ||
| 22 hours of Geology Courses | ||
| GEOL 107 | Physical Geology (Students who decide to follow the curriculum after first taking GEOL 100 should enroll in GEOL 208. GEOL 100 will be accepted as a substitute for GEOL 107, but students should be aware that these courses are not intended for science majors.) | 4 |
| GEOL 208 | History of the Earth System | 4 |
| GEOL 452 | Introduction to Geophysics | 4 |
| 10 additional hours of 300 or 400 level geology courses | 10 | |
| Mathematics | 16-18 | |
| Calculus | ||
or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| Calculus II | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Introductory Matrix Theory | ||
or MATH 415 | Applied Linear Algebra | |
| Intro Differential Equations | ||
| Physics | 15-17 | |
| University Physics: Mechanics | ||
| University Physics: Elec & Mag | ||
| Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | ||
| Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| Classical Mechanics I | ||
or | ||
| Introduction to Statics and Introductory Dynamics | ||
| Additional Technical Requirements | 13 | |
| Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci | ||
or CS 125 | Introduction to Computer Science | |
| Thermodynamics of Materials | ||
or PHYS 427 | Thermal & Statistical Physics | |
or CHEM 444 | Physical Chemistry II | |
Six hours of other 300- or 400-level science, math, or engineering courses selected with adviser approval. | ||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free elective course | 1 | GEOL 208 | 4 |
| CHEM 102 (or CHEM 202) | 3 | CHEM 104 (or CHEM 204) | 4 |
| CHEM 103 (or CHEM 203) | 2 | CHEM 105 (or CHEM 205) | 1 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 3 | General Education course or Composition 1 | 3 |
| GEOL 107 | 4 | Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| Free elective course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 220 (or MATH 221) | 5 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | CS 101 (or CS 125) | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | PHYS 211 | 4 |
| Free elective course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 2 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Geology 300-400 level course | 3 | GEOL 452 | 4 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | MATH 225 (or MATH 415) | 3 |
| PHYS 212 | 4 | PHYS 213 | 2 |
| 300 - 400 - level Science, Math, or Engineering courses | 3 | PHYS 214 | 2 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| MSE 401 (or PHYS 427 or CHEM 444) | 3 | 300 - 400 - level Science, Math, or Engineering courses | 3 |
| Geology 300-400 level course | 4 | Geology 300-400 level course | 3 |
| PHYS 325 (or TAM 210) | 2 | TAM 212 (or free elective course) | 3 |
| MATH 285 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 126 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)
Geology
Geology website
Geology email
Geology faculty
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
LAS College website
Advising
Geology advising
Admissions
Liberal Arts & Sciences Admissions & Requirements
University of Illinois Undergrad Admissions