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Geology Minor

The Geology minor consists of at least five courses (16 hours). Although 101 (with 111) and 102 are strongly recommended, students are encouraged to choose courses based on their interests and career plans and to discuss course selection with the Director or Undergraduate Studies. No more than two of the following may count toward the minor: 100, 101 (with 111), and 103 (with 113). No credit toward the minor is given for 106, 150, 289, or 291.

Geology Major

Students may choose to pursue either the basic Geology major or the Geology major with an environmental concentration.

Basic: Requirements for the basic major are as follows: 101 (with 111), 102, 220, 225, 226, 230, 240, and one additional 200 or higher level course other than 289 or 291. The additional course may be a summer course in field methods--with prior departmental approval!
Related work in natural sciences--Although none is absolutely required, students in the basic EES are urged to take related work as for the honors and environmental concentration degrees. Course work in related sciences is mandatory for anyone planning a career in earth sciences or environmental sciences. Additional work in related sciences probably is not necessary for Geology majors who go into environmental law or environmental policy.

Environmental Concentration: Requirements for the Environmental Concentration are as follows: 101 (with 111), 225, 230, 240, 257,260, and 264 or a summer course in field methods (with prior departmental approval).
Related work in natural sciences--In addition, students pursuing environmental concentrations must complete the following work in the natural sciences: Biological Sciences 218 or 238 or Physics 116a, 117a, or 121a; Chemistry 102a-b and 104a-b; one year of calculus; and an additional course approved by the faculty in mathematics, engineering, or any of the natural sciences other than Geology. A student may petition the Geology faculty to substitute an alternative list of courses in mathematics and the natural sciences.

Geology Major with Honors

Honors students are required to complete all the course work for the basic major plus 292a and b.

The benefit of the honors degree is that the program provides research experience in addition to course work in preparation for graduate studies or a career in Earth or environmental science. Students must have a 3.0 overall and major GPA to enter the Geology honors program. They should talk with the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the junior year about this program.

Working closely with a faculty adviser during their senior year, students in the honors program undertake a research project of interest to both the student and the faculty member. The project is submitted as a senior thesis, which is reviewed by two faculty members; it is also orally presented to Geology faculty and students during the spring semester. In order to graduate with honors, a student must achieve the following: (1) maintain a 3.0 GPA; (2) complete 4 to 6 hours of Geology 292 a and b; (3) adequately present the results of his/her research, in written form, to two members of the faculty, and, orally, to students and faculty of the department; and (4) complete supporting work in the related sciences.

Related work in the natural sciences--Physics 116a, 117a, or 121a; Chemistry 102a-b and 104a-b; one year of calculus; and an additional course approved by the faculty in mathematics, engineering, or any of the natural sciences other than Geology. A student may petition the faculty to substitute an alternative list of courses in mathematics and the natural sciences.

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