Geological Sciences, B.A.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Identify, describe, and interpret Earth materials, and evaluate the physical, geometric, and temporal relationships.

2. Recognize and interpret the origin and evolution of erosional or constructional landscapes (e.g., fluvial, glacial, arid, coastal, volcanic, deformational) within the context of modern tectonics and climatic concepts.

3. Recognize and utilize the laws of superposition and faunal succession in deciphering Earth history.

4. Use appropriate field and analytical tools for the purpose of data collection and analysis.

5. Critically evaluate data and interpretations, and succinctly communicate data and observations using spreadsheets, graphical and/or spatial analysis tools.

6. Access and utilize the geologic literature.

7. Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats as well as be comfortable with the language of geology.

8. Create, read, and interpret topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross-sections.

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: 67-70

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 431 , GSCI 341 , GSCI 451 , GSCI 361 , and GSCI 491 .

Department Writing Requirement

A portfolio of student term papers will be established. It will contain papers submitted as partial fulfillment of requirements in the following courses: GSCI 301 , GSCI 341 , GSCI 451 , GSCI 361  (required courses) or GSCI 410 , GSCI 332 , GSCI 335 , GSCI 443 , GSCI 345 , GSCI 347  (electives). Prior to the student’s final semester, the Department will, as a group, review at least three papers in the portfolio. If the faculty agree the 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, she, he, or they will be required to enroll in a course that emphasizes writing skills. [It could be a regularly scheduled course or a directed study course.]

For further information, please contact your advisor or the Department Chair.

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

• First Year 
  • Fall - 16 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 160 - Physical Geology  
    • GSCI 161 - Physical Geology Laboratory  
      • Counts for Global Society: CGC and SST
    • MATH 221 - Calculus I  
    • GSCI 191 - Introduction to Geology at Geneseo  
    • INTD 105 - Writing Seminar: (subtitle)  
    • World Language 101 - Credit(s): 4 
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 170 - Historical Geology  
    • MATH 222 - Calculus II  
    • World Language 102 - Credit(s): 4 
    • Global Society: CAI - Credit(s): 3 
• Second Year 
  • Fall - 14 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 210 - Mineralogy  
    • CHEM 116 - Chemistry I  or CHEM 203 - Principles of Chemistry I  
    • CHEM 119 - Introductory Chemistry Lab  
    • Global Society: DPP - Credit(s): 3 
    • Global Society: WCV - Credit(s): 4 
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 220 - Petrology Credit(s): 3
    • CHEM 118 - Chemistry II  or CHEM 204 - Principles of Chemistry II  
    • CHEM 129 lab - Credit(s): 1 
    • Elective - Credit(s): 8 
• Third Year 
  • Fall - 15 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 113 - General Physics I  
    • PHYS 114 - Physics I Lab  
    • GSCI 341 - Principles of Structural Geology  
    • GSCI 361 - Paleontology  
    • Elective Credit(s): 8
  • Spring - 16 Credit Hours
    • PHYS 115 - General Physics II  
    • PHYS 116 - Physics II Lab  
    • GSCI 331 - Geomorphology Credit(s): 3
    • GSCI 451 - Stratigraphy  
    • Integrated & Applied Learning - Credit(s): 3
    • Electives - Credit(s): 3 
• Fourth Year 
  • Fall - 14 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 391 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar I Credit(s): 1
    • GSCI Elective - Credit(s): 3
    • GSCI Elective - Credit(s): 3
    • Electives - Credit(s): 7 
  • Spring - 15 Credit Hours
    • GSCI 392 - Geological Sciences Capstone Seminar II Credit(s): 1
    • GSCI Elective - Credit(s): 3
    • Electives - Credit(s): 11 

KEY - Participation in a Global Society (PGS)

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