Geology: Geophysics, BS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science 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:

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 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.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Chemistry: Select one group of courses:		8-9
CHEM 102	General Chemistry I
CHEM 103	General Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 104	General Chemistry II
CHEM 105	General Chemistry Lab II
or
CHEM 202	Accelerated Chemistry I
CHEM 203	Accelerated Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 204	Accelerated Chemistry II
CHEM 205	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
MATH 220	Calculus
or MATH 221	Calculus I
MATH 231	Calculus II
MATH 241	Calculus III
MATH 225	Introductory Matrix Theory
or MATH 415	Applied Linear Algebra
MATH 285	Intro Differential Equations
Physics		15-17
PHYS 211	University Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 212	University Physics: Elec & Mag
PHYS 213	Univ Physics: Thermal Physics
PHYS 214	Univ Physics: Quantum Physics
Select one of the following:
PHYS 325	Classical Mechanics I
or
TAM 210 & TAM 212	Introduction to Statics and Introductory Dynamics
Additional Technical Requirements		13
CS 101	Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci
or CS 125	Introduction to Computer Science
MSE 401	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 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
Free Elective course	1
CHEM 102 or 202	3
CHEM 103 or 203	2
GEOL 107	4
Composition I or General Education course	4
Free Elective course	3
	17
Total Hours 17

First Year
Second Semester	Hours
GEOL 208	4
CHEM 104 or 204	3
CHEM 105 or 205	1
Composition I or General Education course	3
Language Other Than English (3rd level)	4
	15
Total Hours 15

Second Year
First Semester	Hours
MATH 220 or 221	5
General Education course	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	3
	17
Total Hours 17

Second Year
Second Semester	Hours
MATH 231	3
CS 101 or 125	4
PHYS 211	4
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	2
	16
Total Hours 16

Third Year
First Semester	Hours
Geology 300-400 level course	3
MATH 241	4
PHYS 212	4
300-400 level Science, Math, or Engineering course	3
General Education course	3
	17
Total Hours 17

Third Year
Second Semester	Hours
GEOL 452	4
MATH 225 or 415	3
PHYS 213	2
PHYS 214	2
General Education course	3
	14
Total Hours 14

Fourth Year
First Semester	Hours
MSE 401, PHYS 427, or CHEM 444	3
Geology 300-400 level course	4
PHYS 325 or TAM 210	2
MATH 285	3
General Education course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Fourth Year
Second Semester	Hours
300-400 level Science, Math, or Enginering course	3
Geology 300-400 level course	3
TAM 212 (or Free Elective course)	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Total Hours: 126

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

Students will develop cross-disciplinary skills of observation, data collection, and spatial display of data (e.g., map making) related to geological materials, features, and processes. Upon completing this program, students will be able to analyze the Earth as a complex system and evaluate the interconnectedness of Earth systems and their effects on each other. Students will be able to analyze the causes and impacts of the Earth’s changing climate over various time scales and evaluate the environmental, social, and geological impacts of these changes. Students will be able to analyze complex geological processes and their interconnectedness with environmental systems on geologic and real timescales, applying spatial analyses in 3D (and 4D), using direct field observations coupled with geologic interpretation and synthesis.
Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, and mathematical theories fundamental to Earth processes through rigorous coursework and research. Upon program completion, students will be able to analyze and solve mathematical and computational problems encountered in geoscience research and professional practice. Students will be able to analyze and interpret geologic structure including geologic timescales, and tectonic and deformation processes and their hazard potentials. Students will be able to interpret the chemical and mechanical processes involved within each stage of the rock cycle. Students will be able to recognize key surface processes and their connection to geological features, including potential hazards. Students will be able to analyze and interpret the chemical and mechanical processes involved in the Water Cycle and evaluate water as a critical natural resource.
Students will develop and apply critical thinking skills to synthesize principles learned in the classroom and data collected in the laboratory and in the field in order to evaluate hypotheses and solve geological and Earth science problems. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to carry out geological data collection and analysis in the field and/or lab, in independent and team working environments. Students will have the strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to effectively analyzing and solving complex geologic problems. They will be able to navigate non-unique answers and make informed decisions based on evidence.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate scientific data, interpretations, and hypotheses through written and oral methods. Upon completion, Students will be proficient in communicating science verbally and in writing and be able to tailor their written and verbal communication to different audiences. Students will have developed good listening skills and the ability to carry on an interactive dialogue with their colleagues.
Students will hone and apply interpersonal skills in a professional setting through group work, research activities, and field studies. Upon completing this program, students will be able to work in professional and academic group settings as productive members of a team to solve complex geologic and Earth science problems.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geophysics Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)