Sep 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geochemistry, B.A.


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 301 , GSCI 315 /GSCI 320 , GSCI 491  and GSCI 492 ; 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).

Sample Course Map


For students who Matriculated prior to Fall 2022: please select the bulletin year in which you entered the college (matriculated) at the top right of this page.

Curriculum Map

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: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prereqisties.  Consult course information in the bulletin or your academic advisor to customize your eight semester plan.  

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)


Attributes:

Sub Areas

Abbreviation Definition
DPP Diversity, Pluralism, Power
WCV World Cultures & Values
CGC Contemporary Global Challenges
CAI Creativity & Innovation
SST Sustainability

Learning Areas

Abbreviation Definition
ARTS Arts
HUMA Humanities
SOSC Social Science