Geological Sciences, BS

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Major: Geological Sciences

Program Overview

Students in earth, environmental, and planetary sciences obtain a solid background in basic science and mathematics as well as intensive training in the major. In addition, because of the wide variety of ways in which geologic knowledge can be applied, all students are encouraged to take electives in subjects appropriate to their personal objectives, which may range from the engineering applications of geology to the socioeconomic and legal systems bearing on environmental issues. The undergraduate programs stress practical experience and fieldwork as well as classroom study.

All students participate in a three-semester Senior Project sequence in which they propose a research project, conduct the research, write a thesis, and present it to the department.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and approaches in geology sufficient to apply this understanding to the interpretation of a wide range of earth processes (and their linkages) on different temporaland spatial scales.
  • Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific arguments in geology.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate competence in standard methods for collecting and evaluating geologic data.
  • Students will be able to apply quantitative and qualitative tools in the analysis and interpretation of geologic data.
  • Students will be able to execute a geologic research project, including the use of primary literature, collection and interpretation of evidence, and reporting of results.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate breadth of technical understanding applicable to the geological sciences.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Combined Bachelor's/Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

Required EEPS Courses:
Choose one of the following:3
EEPS 110
Physical Geology
EEPS 101
The Earth and Planets
EEPS 115
Introduction to Oceanography
EEPS 119Geology Laboratory1
EEPS 210Earth History: Time, Tectonics, Climate, and Life3
EEPS 301Stratigraphy and Sedimentation3
EEPS 315Structural Geology and Geodynamics3
EEPS 317Introduction to Field Methods3
EEPS 341Mineralogy4
EEPS 344Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology4
EEPS 360Summer Field Camp6
EEPS 390Introduction to Geological Research3
EEPS 391Senior Project2
EEPS 392Professional Presentation2
Additional Required Courses:
CHEM 105Principles of Chemistry I3
CHEM 106Principles of Chemistry II3
CHEM 113Principles of Chemistry Laboratory2
ENGR 131Elementary Computer Programming3
MATH 121Calculus for Science and Engineering I4
MATH 122Calculus for Science and Engineering II4
PHYS 121General Physics I - Mechanics4
PHYS 122General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism4
Choose one of the following:3-4
CHEM 301
Introductory Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 335
Physical Chemistry I
ECHE 225
Thermal and Fluid Sciences
EMAE 251
Thermodynamics
PHYS 221
Introduction to Modern Physics
Two upper-level MATH or STAT courses6-8
Two additional math/science/engineering courses6-8
Electives a,b21
a

At least two of these electives must be at the 200-level or higher.

b

Approved by Advisor.

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