Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geochemistry, B.A.


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This program provides a background in Geological Sciences and Chemistry as well as related areas such as Physics and Mathematics. The synthesis of these interrelated disciplines will prepare the student for graduate-level study and a professional career in geochemistry or related fields.  

Program Learning Outcomes


1. Identify, describe, and interpret Earth materials, and evaluate the physical, geometric, and temporal relationships.
2. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts in Chemistry
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to make quantitative measurements utilizing the appropriate instrument and report the result with appropriate uncertainty.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to design, carry out, and interpret the results of an experiment according to established principles of chemistry.
5. Students will demonstrate that they understand the application of chemistry in geology, including the role it plays in rock-forming processes, by making geological interpretations of geochemical data sets. 
6. Critically evaluate data and interpretations, and succinctly communicate data and observations using spreadsheets, graphical and/or spatial analysis tools.
7. Access and utilize the geologic literature.
8. Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats as well as be comfortable with the language of geology.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)


Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 73-75


Electives selected from the following: (12 (9*) Credits)


Footnotes


*When both GSCI 315  and GSCI 320  are taken, 9 credits of GSCI electives are required.

Related Requirements: (19 Credits)


Minimum Competence Requirement


A grade of C- or better is required for each of the following courses: GSCI 160 , GSCI 161 , GSCI 170 , GSCI 210 , GSCI 220 , GSCI 315 /GSCI 320 , GSCI 391  and GSCI 392 ; CHEM 116  or CHEM 203 , CHEM 119 , CHEM 118  or CHEM 204 , CHEM 211  or CHEM 223 , CHEM 216 , CHEM 213  or CHEM 224 , CHEM 340  and CHEM 320  or CHEM 324 .

Department Writing Requirement


A portfolio of student writing will be established which will contain papers and other written assignments from courses in the Geological Sciences. Prior to the student’s final semester, the faculty within the department of Geological Sciences will review the portfolio. If the faculty agrees that the majority of written work is satisfactory, the student will have successfully completed the writing requirement. Should review of the papers indicate that the student’s writing skills are not acceptable, the student will be required to enroll in a course that emphasizes writing skills (this could be an elective course or a directed study).

Outline/Advising Guide


For Students who Matriculated prior to Fall 2022:

First Year


Second Year


Fall (14-15 Credit Hours)


Spring (16-17 Credit Hours)


Third Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Spring (15 Credit Hours)


Fourth Year


Fall (16 Credit Hours)


Spring (13 Credit Hours)


Total Credit Hours: 120


*Basic requirements include GSCI 315  AND/OR GSCI 320 . When both are taken, 9 credits (instead of 12) of the listed electives in GSCI are required.

Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.

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