Geology
Major and minor offered

Geology is the study of the Earth and its 4.5-billion-year history. As such, it unites and en-hances the utility of the other natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) in our quest to understand life, the planet and the universe. Only through the systematic geological study of our planet can we hope to understand and predict the major events that influence our lives, including climatic variation, nutrient availability, rapid extinction, seismicity and volcanism. Geology also guides the unending quest for natural resources including ores, minerals, energy and water, and constrains the distribution, fate and remediation of natural and man-made contaminants. Our program prepares its graduates for graduate school, careers in academia, research, teaching and consulting, and as informed citizens, capable of critically analyzing scientific issues and related policies.

Students may major or minor in geology or elect an interdisciplinary combined geology–physics -major or environmental studies–geology major.

Advising

Each faculty member recognizes the need for close consultation about course scheduling, choice of advanced course options and curricula in allied disciplines, and each accepts responsibility for advising geology students. It is the responsibility of each student majoring in geology to make certain he or she meets regularly with the advisor. In cases where geology is a part of a student’s interdisciplinary major, or when a multi-field major is being designed, thorough discussion with a geology advisor is especially important.

Major Requirements

Core Courses

Students entering the geology major take the following courses to meet minimum department requirements for graduation with the Bachelor of Science degree in geology:

Geology
103. The Dynamic Earth
104. The Evolving Earth
203. Mineralogy.
206. Invertebrate Paleontology.
211. Geomorphology.
216. Sedimentology.
302. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. or
347. Geochemistry
350. Structural Geology

*In addition to the above requirements, a Senior Seminar plus Comprehensive Exams is required beginning with the Class of 2011. Members of the Class of 2010 must take all of the above requirements, with the exception of the Senior Seminar plus Comprehensive Exams. Members of the Class of 2009 should consult the department chair regarding major requirements.

None of these required core courses will be accepted toward the major if taken pass/fail. Normally, 200-level courses are appropriate for sophomores, 300-level for juniors and 400-level for seniors. Attendance at weekly department seminars is required of all majors.

Students should consult the course descriptions in this Catalog for information on prerequisites and sequencing of both required and advanced courses.

Combined Major in Environmental Studies–Geology

Students with an interest in combining the integrative approaches of environmental studies with the focused scientific study of geology may wish to pursue the combined major of environmental studies-geology. For specifics, see the Environmental Studies section of this Catalog.

Suggested Courses

A general introduction to geology is available to all students through Geology 103 (The Dynamic Earth). While all those who elect a concentration in geology must take Geology 103, it is possible to begin with one of the other 100-level courses offered such as Geology 110 (Environmental Geology) or Geology 112 (Global Climate). First-year as well as upper-level students will find these courses enjoyable and practical. Advanced courses in the major areas of a student’s interests provide depth in particular subject areas and should be taken as part of a program that students have discussed with their advisors.

Advanced courses in the major areas of a student’s interests are suggested. These provide depth in particular subject areas and should be taken as part of a program that students have discussed with their advisors.

Directed studies options are available to junior and senior students on an arranged basis with geology faculty members. No more than two directed studies courses may be counted toward the major (only one if Senior Thesis Geology 489,490 is taken).

It is strongly recommended that students who anticipate graduate study or a professional career in geology should plan to take chemistry, statistics and/or, depending on their field of interest, calculus and physics or biology and attend a summer field camp.

Certification to Teach Earth Science

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 earth science teacher must complete a major in geology and the educational studies minor. The following coursework must be completed as a part of, or in addition to, the major: 110 (Environmental Geology) or 319 (Hydrology and Hydrogeology), 112 (Global Climate), 415 (Tectonics) and Physics 102 (Introduction to Astronomy).

Geology majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates and all of the earth science requirements listed above (or their equivalents).

Consult the education section of this Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible.

Honors and Senior Thesis

Senior thesis study is undertaken voluntarily by students who wish to conduct original research in a close working relationship with one or more geology faculty members. (See also Honors in the Curriculum section of this Catalog). A 3.5 -average upon completion of all courses in the major and the completed senior thesis chaired by a member of the geology faculty are both needed for the distinction of honors. The senior thesis course (Geology 489,490) may be taken regardless of a student’s average in the major if permission of a faculty member is obtained. Thesis work is expected to lead to a finished research project (thesis) for appropriate credit. The department encourages its students to consider a senior thesis as part of a capstone experience; this should be undertaken only after careful discussion with faculty advisors. Guidelines for the thesis are available from the department chair.

Minor Requirements

Students with a general interest and who wish to have a basic understanding of the Earth and its processes, or who have a strong interest in a particular aspect of geology or earth science teaching and want to learn more about the subject, may minor in geology. There are several areas of potential concentration; the minor is designed so that it may serve the needs of the widest range of students. A -minor in geology can expand a student’s background in support of a major in an allied -science, environmental studies or economics, or in a -major supporting interest in archaeology or global studies.

The minor can be designed to reflect general -geology, or the courses may be grouped to focus on the history of life or on surficial, bedrock or environmental geology. Combinations of the student’s own choosing, in consideration with the faculty, are encouraged. Several electives are available as options.

Geology 103,104, and at least four additional courses at the 200 level or above are required in all cases.

Faculty

John Mark Erickson, B.S., Tufts; M.S., Ph.D., North Dakota
Chapin Professor of Geology

Catherine Shrady, B.A., Colgate; M.S., Syracuse; Ph.D., Massachusetts
Associate Professor of Geology and Chair of Department

Jeffrey Chiarenzelli, B.S., St. Lawrence; M.S., Carleton University; Ph.D., University of Kansas
Associate Professor of Geology

Stephen D. Robinson, B.E.S., Waterloo; M.Sc., Queens; Ph.D., McGill
Assistant Professor of Geology

Antun Husinec, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Assistant Professor of Geology

Alexander K. Stewart, B.S., M.S., Kentucky
Visiting Assistant Professor of Geology