Geology, BS

Jeffrey A. Karson, Chair
204 Heroy Geology Laboratory,
315-443-2672

Faculty

Suzanne Baldwin, Tripti Bhattacharya, Melissa Chipman, Daniel Curewitz, Paul Fitzgerald, Gregory Hoke, Linda Ivany, Christopher Junium, Jeffrey Karson, Christa Kelleher, Laura Lautz, Zunli Lu, Robert Moucha, Cathryn Newton, Scott Samson, Christopher Scholz, Jay Thomas, Sam Tuttle, Tao Wen

The study of geology provides insights into some of humanity’s deepest questions. How was the planet Earth, our lifeboat in space, formed? What are the processes that have shaped the Earth - its surface and internal structure? How has life, of which humanity is a part, evolved? Why are there earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain chains, continents, and deep oceans? How has the surface and climate of the Earth changed through time? The study of geology is made up of interdisciplinary fields in the Earth sciences that draw on fundamental knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics and provides a basis for understanding natural hazards, climate variability and global change, and exploring for the energy, water and mineral resources upon which society depends. The BS in geology offers a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in the Earth sciences and/or careers as research scientists in public, corporate, or academic settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain process-based linkages among tectonics, climate, and life as illustrated by the Earth system over time.
Analyze and interpret general patterns in the history of the Earth-life system using geological records and analytical and/or numerical tools.
Identify and describe the major rock-forming minerals and relate the origin of the three major rock types.
Infer depositional processes and environments from field and lab observations of sedimentary systems.
Describe tectonic processes and their manifestations in Earth’s crust, including seismicity, volcanism, and deformation.
Effectively synthesize published literature related to geological sciences in a written report and/or a data product.
Develop written and verbal communication skills required to effectively convey science to a wide range of audiences

Requirements for B.S. Degree in Geology

The BS degree in Geology requires at least 69 credits of Earth and Environmental Science course work including auxiliary math and science coursework.

Introductory Earth Science Courses

4 credits

EAR 105 - Earth Science
and
EAR 104 - Earth Sciences Laboratory
Note: EAR 104 is the laboratory course for EAR 105 and must be taken concurrently.
Or
EAR 203 - Earth System Science

Sequence Earth Science Course

4 credits

EAR 210 - History of Earth and Life

Required Ancillary Sciences and Mathematics

22 - 24 credits

Any combination of Calculus I and Calculus II from the following list:

Introduction to Earth and Environmental Science Skills Set

4 credits

Two EAR 200 courses in:

Introduction to Field Methods (2 credits)
Introduction to Data Analysis (2 credits)

EAR 200 - Selected Topics

Core Courses in Geology

15 credits

Department Colloquium

1 credit

EAR 483 - Departmental Colloquium
(taken in Junior or Senior Year)

Divisions of Earth Sciences

12 - 15 credits

Choose one from each block. Other courses may be substituted by petition.

Block 1: Solid Earth

Block 2: Water Science

Block 3: Ancient Climates and Ecosystems

Block 4: Quantitative Skills

Department Electives

3 credits

Any lower or upper-division EAR or approved auxiliary science or math course(s)

Summer Field Experience

(4-6 cr., by transfer, as approved field experience) This requirement consists of 6 credit hours of transfer credit as EAR 470. The requirement is satisfied by participation in an approved 4-6-week summer geological field camp, or through an alternative approved field program. The field experience is typically scheduled in the summer between junior and senior years, but completion of the requirement during the summer following graduation is also possible. Participation in the SU Abroad ‘Frontiers Abroad’ semester program in New Zealand also satisfies the field experience requirement. For enrollment in a traditional geological field camp, courses in Structural Geology and Sedimentary Geology may be required.

EAR 470 - Experience Credit

Requirements For Distinction In Earth Sciences

Minimum GPA Within Department 3.6

Cumulative GPA, by End of Senior Year 3.4

Other Criteria Required for the Degree with Distinction:

Students must complete a research-based senior thesis in conjunction with a faculty supervisor. The thesis must constitute independent, hypothesis-driven research involving investigative tools and techniques in the Earth Sciences. Students must submit the written thesis to the department and give a public seminar reporting their results. Students should register for EAR 409 - Senior Thesis in Earth Science in the semester in which they plan to submit the thesis. All else being satisfied, Distinction is conferred following a vote of approval from the Faculty of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.