Core Courses

Students entering the geology major take the following courses to meet minimum department requirements for graduation with the Bachelor of Science degree in geology:

103. The Dynamic Earth.
104. The Evolving Earth.
203. Mineralogy.
206. Invertebrate Paleontology.
211. Geomorphology.
216. Sedimentology.
302. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.
347. Geochemistry.
350. Structural Geology.

*In addition to the above requirements, a Senior Seminar plus Comprehensive Exams is required beginning with th Class of 2011.  Members of the Class of 2010 must take all of the above requirements, with the exception of the Senior Seminar plus Comprehensive Exams.  Members of the Class of 2009 should consult the department chair regarding major requirements.

None of these required core courses will be accepted toward the major if taken pass/fail. Normally, 200-level courses are appropriate for sophomores, 300-level for juniors and 400-level for seniors. Attendance at weekly department seminars is required of all majors.

Majoring in Geology – What you should take and when

Getting an early Start:
Fall I or II Geol 103 (The Dynamic Earth) or Geol 110 in the spring (Environmental Geology)

Spring I or II Geol 104 (The Evolving Earth)

Spring II or III Geol 203 (Mineralogy)
Note: This course could be taken concurrently with 103 if you have the appropriate prior course experience in the earth sciences (permission of instructor and the department is necessary).

Some additional comments:

Two courses (Geol 302, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology; and, Geol 350, Structural Geology) have mineralogy as a prerequisite, but these are normally taken the junior and senior year.

The remainder of the nine required courses for the Geology major (see above and the University Catalog) can be taken at any time except that:

Geol 216, Sedimentology, should normally be taken before Geol 408, Stratigraphy, which requires senior standing.

Strongly recommended support courses:

Support courses in Chemistry and Math (and Biology of Physics depending on interest).
Please seek advice on these from one of the geology faculty and take these as early as possible.

A senior theses (SYE) is not required but strongly recommended (and counts as an SYE), along with a number of the possible electives, e.g. Geol 415 (Geotectonics) and Geol 319 (Hydrology/Hydrogeology).

Combined major in Environmental GeologyGeol 103 (The Dynamic Earth) or Geol 110 (Environmental Geology)
Geol 104 (The Evolving Earth)
Geol 211 (Geomorphology)
Geol 216 (Sedimentology)

Plus three geology electives – Mineralogy, Structural Geology and Stratigraphy are recommended – and the seven Environmental Studies combined major core courses (see the University Catalog).

Note: ENVS 101 is typically very popular and you may not gain a place at your first attempt (but if you take this course in your first or second year you should have no problems in completing the required number of courses).

Suggested Courses

A general introduction to geology is available to all students through Geology 103 (The Dynamic Earth). While all those who elect a concentration in geology must take Geology 103, it is possible to begin with one of the other 100-level courses offered such as Geology 110 (Environmental Geology) or Geology 112 (Global Climate). First-year as well as upper-level students will find these courses enjoyable and practical.

Advanced courses in the major areas of a student’s interests are suggested. These provide depth in particular subject areas and should be taken as part of a program that students have discussed with their advisors.

Directed studies options are available to junior and senior students on an arranged basis with geology faculty members. No more than two directed studies courses may be counted toward the major (only one if Geology 489,490, Senior Thesis is taken).

Participation in a geological field camp is recommended during the summer following the junior or senior year.

It is strongly recommended that students who anticipate graduate study or a professional career in geology should plan to take chemistry, statistics and/or, depending on their field of interest, calculus and physics or biology and attend a summer field camp.

Certification to Teach Earth Science

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 earth science teacher must complete a major in geology and the educational studies minor. The following coursework must be completed as a part of, or in addition to, the major: 110 (Environmental Geology) or 319 (Hydrology and Hydrogeology), 112 (Global Climate), 415 (Tectonics) and Physics 102 (Introduction to Astronomy). Geology majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates and all of the earth science requirements listed above (or their equivalents).

Consult the education section of this Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible.