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