UMF Catalog On-Line

Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies, concentration in geology/geography

About The Program
This program combines a solid preparation in both geology and geography, combining the physical study of geology with the geography emphasis on how space and place affect our lives. Hands-on research, field work and lab work are important in the program. Students take advantage of trips to Scotland, Ireland, Newfoundland, Alaska and the Grand Canyon to gain perspective about the importance of geological-geographical issues. Students work closely with faculty mentors and are encouraged to design their own research, apply classroom learning to their field work, and present their findings in public forums. The integration of experiential, hands-on learning with scientific practice has contributed to the successful placement of students in desirable public and private sector jobs and their gaining admission to such graduate schools as Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and Oregon State.

A. General program goals:
The general goals of the Interdisciplinary Program in Geology/Geography program are for students to acquire:
     * the ability to conduct scientific research (recognize problems, develop testable hypotheses, carry out pertinent investigations, and communicate results effectively);
     * an understanding of the major processes that comprise the behavior of the earth system and recognition of the importance of place upon these interactions;
     * the skills needed to document and decipher geologic records and geographical information;
     * the creativity and initiative needed to apply their education successfully in life and to shape society in positive ways.

B. Specific Goals:
Knowledge
Students will develop an understanding of:
(1) the central themes of geology and the importance of geographic context in geological research:
(2) the nature of the scientific process in general, major concepts in the disciplines that underlie geology (chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics), and geochemical interactions
(3) the critical role of science in analyzing resource and environmental issues.

Skills
Students will, through instruction and practice, become proficient in the following essential skills:
(1) geologic and geographic field methods and laboratory procedures.
(2) computer techniques for data acquisition, manipulation, and display.
(3) design and implementation of original scientific research.

Attitude
Students will gain an enhanced respect for their world as they explore it with a geological perspective. They will learn to exhibit professional behavior and become aware of their ethical responsibility to portray the results of investigations in a scientific and unbiased nature.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

GEY 101N Environmental Geoscience
     or
GEY 102N The Dynamic Earth                      4
GEY 201N Earth History                          4
GEY 202 Mineralogy                              4
GEY 252 Introduction to Petrology               4
GEY 301 Terrain Analysis                        4
GEO 103S Peoples and Environments               4
GEO 104S Geospatial Information                 4
GEO 206S Analysis of Rural Landscapes or
GEO 320S Economic Geography or
GEO 340 Land Use                                4
GEO 304 GIScience                               4
GEO 450 Research in Geography                   4

Total credits for the Major: 40

NOTE: A grade of C- or above must be earned in all science courses and their prerequisites.

NOTE: Geology courses from the major may not be used to fulfill the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
One year of one foreign language at the college level or two years of one foreign language at the high school level.

Total 0-8

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL OF CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE 128

NOTE: For science majors declaring a science minor in a different science discipline, only eight credits of required coursework in the major can be counted toward the science minor.

GEOGRAPHY MINOR
GEO 103S Peoples and Environments or
GEO 104S Global Transformations                  4
GEO 304 GIScience                                4

Choose one of the following themes below. Must take at least three courses (12 credits) in that theme, two of which (8 credits) must be at the 300-level or higher:

Culture, Space and Identity
GEO 206S Analysis of Rural Landscapes            4
GEO 210S Case Study in Regional Geography        4
GEO 219S Geography of Maine                      4
GEO 332 Cultural Geography                       4
GEO 333 Historical Geography                     4

Development Perspectives and Practices
GEO 210S Case Study in Regional Geography        4
GEO 310 International Development                4
GEO 320S Economic Geography                      4
GEO 334 Political Geography                      4

Geospatial Information Technologies
GEO 204 Geospatial Information                   4
GEO 308 GeoStatistics                            4
GEO 404 Advanced GIS Applications                4

Health and Environment
GEO 325 Geography of Health and Disease          4
GEO 331S Environmental Issues                    4
GEO 337 Environmental Regulations                4
GEO 338 Forestry Management Policies             4

Planning and Regulation
GEO 331S Environmental Issues                    4
GEO 337 Environmental Regulations                4
GEO 338 Forestry Management Policies             4
GEO 340 Land Use                                 4
GEO 343 Town and Regional Planning               4

Subtotal: 12

Total credits for the Minor: 20

GEOLOGY MINOR
One 100-level geology course                     4
Three 200-level courses or
Two 200-level courses plus a field trip         12
One 300-level course                             4

Total credits for the Minor: 20

NOTE: A grade of C- or above must be earned in all science courses and their prerequisites.

NOTE: For science majors declaring a science minor in a different science discipline, only eight credits of required coursework in the major can be counted toward the science minor.