Concentration - Geology

This concentration follows traditional college curricula from foundation courses through advanced study with credits earned at the appropriate levels. Courses should include physical geology, historical geology, and petrology or stratigraphy. This concentration requires a minimum of 36 credits.

Concentration Requirements:

Requirement	Credits
Introduction to Physical Geology	3 lower-level credits
Evolution of Earth	3 lower-level credits
Mineralogy	3 lower-level credits
Petrology	3 upper-level credits
Environmental Geology	3 upper-level credits
Stratigraphy and Sedimentology	3 upper-level credits
Tectonics	3 upper-level credits
Field Geology	2-3 upper-level credits
Electives in Geology	9 lower/upper-level credits
Capstone - GLY 499 (Culminating course in concentration)	3 upper-level credits
TOTAL	36
Co-requisite: 1 year of Chemistry
Co-requisite: Mechanical Physics
Co-requisite: Calculus 1 and 2

Recommended: Computer Literacy

Note: Only grades of C of higher may be included in the concentration.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a concentration in Geology will be able to:

1. apply and interpret relative and absolute dating techniques with respect to the geologic record;
2. identify basic rock types and minerals (common sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; common rock forming minerals);
3. explain basic earth processes in a plate tectonic context, including the rock cycle, mountain building, and patterns of earthquake and volcano occurrence;
4. demonstrate familiarity with global and regional geology, including geologic time, major events in earth history, and the evolution of life;
5. apply geological knowledge to current environmental issues, such as water quality, geological hazards, natural resources, and the evolution of life; and
6. describe geological phenomena in terms of the physical and chemical processes, which drive them.