Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ | Catalog: 2013-2014 Catalog Program: Geophysics, BS Minimum Credits Required:__________________ | ||||||||||
Geophysics, BSDepartment of Geology, College of Sciences and Technology 97-111 creditsIntroduction/What is the Study of Geophysics?A Geoscientist is someone who studies the Earth’s physical makeup and history. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful Earth materials and to understanding Earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists provide basic information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety and welfare. Geoscientists are curious about the Earth. How was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes a mountain? Geoscientists are concerned about the Earth. Is there a global warming trend? How and where should we dispose industrial wastes? How can we fill society’s growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources for future generations? Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, Geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. Why Consider a Geophysics Major?Do you like to know why and how things work? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are you interested in travel? Do you like to analyze things? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes” to most of these questions the geosciences could offer a good career for you. This program is recommended for students who are interested in applications of physics as a means of understanding a range of geological processes. Geophysics is distinct from Geology in that a more intensive set of Math and Physics courses, and applications of these skills, are required. Students who complete this degree will be prepared to continue to graduate studies in geology, geophysics, planetary geology/geophysics, physics, or other related fields, or to enter into industry. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a senior thesis project as part of this degree, providing them with an excellent capstone experience. Declaration of this major requires Geol 211, and a completed advising session with a Geophysics faculty advisor.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):Some 300-level geology courses give preference to majors during Phase I of registration, so it is important to declare a major as early as possible. Grade RequirementsA grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. |
|||||||||||
Requirements | |||||||||||
Course Name | Term Taken | Grade | Gen Ed | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
❑ CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I | |||||||||||
❑ Choose one of the following options: | |||||||||||
GEOL 211 - Physical Geology | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
GEOL 101 - Introduction to Geology | |||||||||||
GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
SCED 202 - Matter and Energy in Earth Systems | |||||||||||
GEOL 211A - Physical Geology Review | |||||||||||
❑ GEOL 213 - GIS in Geology | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
CSCI 139 - Programming Fundamentals in Python | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++ | |||||||||||
❑ GEOL 311 - Earth Materials | |||||||||||
❑ GEOL 318 - Structural Geology | |||||||||||
❑ GEOL 352 - Introduction to Geophysics | |||||||||||
❑ GEOL 452 - Applied Geophysics | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics | |||||||||||
❑ PHYS 485 - Mathematical Physics | |||||||||||
❑ Choose either: | |||||||||||
MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | |||||||||||
MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus | |||||||||||
❑ Choose either: | |||||||||||
MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I | |||||||||||
MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II | |||||||||||
MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I | |||||||||||
OR | |||||||||||
MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra | |||||||||||
MATH 304 - Linear Algebra | |||||||||||
MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations | |||||||||||
MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I | |||||||||||
❑ Five courses from the following electives: | |||||||||||
ASTR 315 - The Solar System | |||||||||||
GEOL 306 - Mineralogy | |||||||||||
GEOL 314 - Engineering Geology | |||||||||||
GEOL 412 - Tectonic Geomorphology | |||||||||||
GEOL 453 - Plate Tectonics | |||||||||||
GEOL 454 - Magnetic Fabrics and Geologic Processes | |||||||||||
GEOL 457 - Practical Paleomagnetism | |||||||||||
GEOL 463 - Introduction to Seismology | |||||||||||
GEOL 464 - Mantle Processes | |||||||||||
GEOL 473 - Hydrogeology | |||||||||||
GEOL 490 - Senior Thesis (A minimum of 3 credits and maximum of 5 credits) | |||||||||||
MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II | |||||||||||
MATH 430 - Fourier Series and Applications to Partial Differential Equations | |||||||||||
PHYS 368 - Electromagnetism I | |||||||||||
PHYS 369 - Electromagnetism II | |||||||||||
PHYS 486 - Computational Physics | |||||||||||
Senior ThesisAn undergraduate thesis is an excellent way to develop research skills, establish closer working relationships with faculty, and gain a more in-depth knowledge of geology. Completion of a thesis is also a notable achievement that highlights a student’s ability to do research, providing tangible evidence of research ability to either graduate schools or potential employers. Thesis options are available for the BA and BS degrees in geology. Students interested in pursuing a senior thesis should contact potential advisors during their junior year to discuss possible thesis topics. A formal application to the department must be made, and accepted, prior to the start of the thesis project. | |||||||||||
Departmental HonorsBA or BS students and students in the University Honors program who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher meet the requirements for departmental honors. Those students who have completed at least 4 credits of GEOL 490 and have a cumulative GPA higher than 3.20 meet the requirements for departmental distinction. | |||||||||||
University Graduation RequirementsGeneral University Requirements (GURS) | |||||||||||
Notes:
|