Undergraduate
Programs
Students contemplating a major in Geological Sciences should discuss
their interests with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Jeff
Barker. Students interested in majoring in Environmental Studies
should consult the Director of the
Environmental Studies program, Peter Knuepfer.
And it is always a good idea for continuing students to meet occasionally
with their advisor to discuss their progress, plans and goals. For
an official listing of current degree requirements and course descriptions,
please refer to the University
Bulletin.
 Degree
Programs:
Minors in Geology,
Geophysics, and Geochemistry
Honors
BS in Geological Sciences
The BS degree in geological sciences provides a rigorous background,
preparing students to attend the best graduate schools in geological
sciences or other fields of science, or to find immediate employment
in a variety of roles in geology, environmental geology or geophysics.
Students begin with an introductory survey course, choosing any
one of the seven 100-level courses. Most of those also satisfy
the General Education Laboratory ("L") or Global Interdependencies
("G") requirement. Then, typically in the sophomore year,
students take a series of four "core" courses which cover
the fundamental concepts, the theoretical basis, and the techniques
and methods needed by every well-educated student in the
Geological Sciences. After this, students choose from sets of advanced
courses designed for those who wish to specialize in Geology,
Environmental Geology, or Geophysics. Additionally, usually
during the summer following the junior year, students pursuing the
BS degree take a field geology course offered through another university.
Students are encouraged to learn a computer language such as Fortran,
C++ or Java. Students are also encouraged to participate in a
research project supervised by a member of the faculty. Successful
completion of such a project may qualify the student for
departmental honors upon graduation.
A suggested course sequence for the BS in Geological Sciences is:
| Year 1 |
One Introductory course:
GEOL 102 Geology of the Solar System
or GEOL 111 Planet Earth
or GEOL 112 Oceanography
or GEOL 113 The Dynamic Earth
or GEOL 114 Earth's Dynamic Interior
or GEOL 115 Global Change
or GEOL 121 Pollution
|
Begin cognate sciences:
CHEM 111 or 107; CHEM 108
PHYS 121 or 131; PHYS 122 or 132
MATH 221; Math 222
(Note: CHEM 111 or 107 must be taken before or at the
same time as GEOL 212)
|
| Year 2 |
| 'Core' Courses:
GEOL 211 Surface Processes (fall semester)
GEOL 213 Earth History (fall semester)
|
GEOL 212 Earth Materials (spring semester)
GEOL 214 Interior of the Earth (spring semester)
|
|
Continue cognate sciences
|
|
|
Year 3
and
Year 4 |
Geology track
Choose 5 from:
GEOL 323 Petrology
GEOL 336 Strat/Sed
or GEOL 366 Paleobiology
GEOL 344 Structural
2 GEOL electives > 300
|
Environmental track
Choose 5 from:
GEOL 370 Env. Geology
GEOL 416 Hydrogeology
GEOL 470 Geochemistry
2 GEOL electives > 300
|
Geophysics track
Choose 5 from:
GEOL 344 Structural
GEOL 449 Geophysics
GEOL 453 Env. Geophysics
2 electives > 300
|
| Summer after Year 3 |
GEOL 401 Field Geology (four to six
credits; from another university)
|
BA in Geological Sciences
The BA degree in geological sciences is designed as a flexible,
liberal arts degree which allows the student to gain an appreciation
of the Earth sciences. This program may be suitable as a preparation
for some graduate programs or professional careers. It does
not include a summer field geology course.
Students begin with an introductory survey course, choosing any
one of the seven 100-level courses. Most of those also satisfy
the General Education Laboratory ("L") or Global Interdependencies
("G") requirement. Then, typically in the sophomore year,
students take a series of four "core" courses which cover
the fundamental concepts, the theoretical basis, and the techniques
and methods needed by every well-educated student in the
Geological Sciences. In the final two years, in consultation with
their advisor, students choose four courses which define an area
of specialization. These must be approved by the Undergraduate Committee
no later than the sixth semester. In addition, students select three
advanced geology courses, and three courses from the cognate sciences.
Students are encouraged to participate in a research project supervised
by a member of the faculty. Successful completion of such a project
may qualify the student for departmental honors
upon graduation.
A typical sequence for the BA in Geological Sciences is:
| Year 1 |
One Introductory course:
GEOL 102 Geology of the Solar System
or GEOL 111 Planet Earth
or GEOL 112 Oceanography
or GEOL 113 The Dynamic Earth
or GEOL 114 Earth's Dynamic Interior
or GEOL 115 Global Change
or GEOL 121 Pollution
|
Begin cognate sciences:
CHEM 107 or 111
and two courses from:
BIOL 113, 114, 240, 250, 360;
CHEM 108, 221, 231, 332, 341, 351;
MATH 147, 221, 222, 304, 323;
PHYS 121, 122, 131, 132, 227
(Note: CHEM 107 or 111 must be taken before or at the
same time as GEOL 212)
|
| Year 2 |
| 'Core' Courses:
GEOL 211 Surface Processes (fall semester)
GEOL 213 Earth History (fall semester)
|
GEOL 212 Earth Materials (spring semester)
GEOL 214 Interior of the Earth (spring semester)
|
|
Continue cognate sciences
|
|
|
Year 3
and
Year 4 |
Four courses in an area of specialization
(developed through consultation with advisor)
and
Three courses in GEOL numbered 323 or higher (each must include
a lab) |
BA in Environmental Studies
The BA in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program, including
specializations in:
- ecosystems
- earth science and natural resources
- public policy, administration, and law
- environmental planning
- environmental economics
- ecological anthropology
- environmental chemistry
Please refer to the Environmental Studies Program web pages
for specific requirements of the BA in Environmental Studies.
Minors in Geological Sciences
- Geology Minor is for any student with an interest in
the Earth sciences.
- Geophysics Minor is primarily for students with some
technical background who wish to learn more about geophysics.
- Geochemistry Minor is for science students (e.g. chemistry
majors) with an interest in the chemical aspects of Earth science.
Please refer to the University
Bulletin for details on required courses for these Minors.
Honors
Students are encouraged to participate in a research project supervised
by a member of the faculty in Geological Sciences. Additionally, with
successful completion of an independent research paper, and above-average
performance in coursework, the student may be awarded Distinguished
Independent Work in the Geological Sciences upon graduation.
In addition, the faculty may designate graduating seniors for the
following awards. The Ralph Digman Prize is awarded to the
academically most outstanding senior geology major. The Glenn
G. Bartle Class of '52 Award is made to an outstanding graduating
senior in Geological Sciences who best emulates Glenn Bartle's ideal
of academic excellence and service to the department.
Questions or comments: webmaster@geol.binghamton.edu
Standard
Disclaimer
Last Modified:
March 29, 2005
(adh)
|
