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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin
Geological Sciences: Planetary Track, B.S.
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The BS in Geological Sciences offers students the opportunity to study the Earth. Students in this program investigate topics such as water resources, evolving landscapes, minerals and rocks, changing climate, tectonic transformation of the Earth’s interior and exterior, dynamics of the Earth’s interior, and the evolution of life. Majors in the Geological Sciences select one of three tracks: Geology, Environmental Geology, or Planetary Geology. The Geology track places equal emphasis on both surface and deep Earth processes. The Environmental Geology track places a greater weight on surface processes such as landscape evolution and water flow. The Planetary track emphasizes geospatial analysis of planetary surfaces (Earth, Moon, Mars, etc.). All majors must complete a series of basic requirements as well as additional requirements based on their chosen track. Courses offered in all tracks are available as electives.
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Program Learning Outcomes
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Identify, describe, and interpret earth materials, and evaluate their physical, geometric, and temporal relationships.
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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.
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Recognize and utilize the laws of superposition and faunal succession in deciphering Earth history.
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Use appropriate field and analytical tools for the purpose of data collection and analysis.
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Critically evaluate data and interpretations, and succinctly communicate data and observations using spreadsheets, graphical and/or spatial analysis tools.
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Access and utilize the geologic literature.
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Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats as well as be comfortable with the language of geology.
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Create, read, and interpret geospatial data, geologic maps, and cross-sections.
General Education Requirements (30-40 Credits)
Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.
Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 63-67
Basic Requirements (Required for all Tracks): 16 Credits
Related Requirements (Required for all Tracks): 12 Credits
Planetary Geology Track Requirements: 24-25 Credits
Planetary Geology Track Related Requirements: 12 Credits
Footnotes:
* Where there are options to fulfill a required class the unused alternative can be used as an elective.
** One 3-credit GSCI 493 or GSCI 499 can substitute for one 300 or 400-level GSCI elective class.
Department Writing Requirement
A portfolio of student term papers will be established. It will contain papers submitted as partial fulfillment of requirements for GSCI 210 , and 300-level and 400-level GSCI courses. If the student has passed (i.e. scored a C- or greater) at least three of these papers, the student will have successfully completed the writing requirement. This will be reviewed prior to the student’s final semester. If the student has not passed three papers they will be required to complete 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 - 13 Credit Hours
- Spring - 16 Credit Hours
- Second Year
- Fall - 14-15 Credit Hours
- Spring - 17 Credit Hours
- Third Year
- Fall - 15 Credit Hours
- Spring - 15 Credit Hours
- Fourth Year
- Fall 16 Credit Hours
- Spring - 14-15 Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours: 120
Note: Variation in the order of courses is possible, depending upon prerequisites. 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 |
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