Mar 29, 2024  
2010-2011 Catalog 
    
2010-2011 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geology — Environmental Geology Concentration: Thesis Option, BS


Department of Geology, College of Sciences and Technology

96-105 credits

Introduction

This program is recommended for students who are preparing to become professional geologists and intend to enter industry or enroll in a graduate program upon completion of the degree.

Students intending to pursue graduate study are strongly advised to take Math 224 or 204, PHYS 123 and other science support courses appropriate to the specialty.

Students must complete both the Core Program and one of the three concentrations.

Admission and Declaration Process

Declaration of Major 

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.

Students are admitted to the BA or BS major once they have completed Geol 211. (NOTE: Grades of D-, D, or D+ are not acceptable for major and supporting courses.) Students must apply to the department for admission to the major.

This option is designed to provide students with a general background in the surficial and hydrologic processes required for the involvement in site assessments, groundwater investigations, hazard evaluations, watershed analyses, stream characterization and restoration, land use planning, location of waste disposal sites and other projects that involve the Earth and the activities of humankind. This option is also suitable preparation for graduate work in geology or environmental sciences.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements


Senior Thesis


An 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 Honors


BA 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.