Earth System Science Area (Geology Track) – Bachelor of Science
The track in geology is intended for students who desire rigorous, broad-based preparation in most of the subdisciplines within geology. This program is strongly recommended for students who wish to attend graduate school in a geoscience area.
Program Competencies
The student will be able to:
- Identify Earth materials (minerals, rocks, fossils, sediments, soils, etc.)
- Map and correlate bodies of rock, sediment and soil using surface and subsurface data.
- Articulate the physical processes that shape Earth's surface and interior.
- Apply knowledge of modern geologic processes to interpret the geologic record.
- Describe methods used to explore for and develop mineral/petroleum/water resources.
- Assess the suitability of sites for the construction of buildings, roads, dams, landfills, septic systems, waste lagoons, etc.
- Describe methods used to monitor, reclaim, and remediate sites impacted by mining, improper waste disposal, leaking underground storage tanks, etc.
- Recognize existing or potential geologic hazards.
- Describe the details of the inter-relationships between components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) of the Earth System.
Assessment
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Graduating seniors will be given discipline-specific exit exam(s).
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Alumni will be surveyed regarding employment, acceptance to graduate school, or for other employment outcomes.
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Student results in the capstone (either ESS 499C or Field Camp) will be tracked to verify that integration of discipline skills is attained.
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Individual measures from classes will be recorded and tracked via WEAVE.
Program Requirements
General Education
| MATH 152 | College Algebra | 3 |
| ESS 108 | Physical Geology (NSC2) | 4 |
| ESS 499C | Earth System Science Senior Thesis | 3 |
| | or | |
| | Geology Field Camp | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 37 |
Geology Field Camp: Students who intend to pursue a graduate degree should take a geology field camp instead of the capstone. A geology field camp may be substituted for the capstone requirements and must be taken off-campus at an accredited university. If a geology field camp is taken as an elective course, additional courses must be taken to satisfy the general education capstone requirement, as it cannot be counted in both sections.
Refer to the
General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University.
Area Requirements
Core Requirements
*ESS 108 is counted in general education.
Geology Track Requirements
Free Electives
Total Credit Hours: 120