UMF Catalog On-Line

Geology is the study of the Earth---the entire physical-chemical-biological system. UMF's B.A. program in geology focuses on field experiences and student research. At a time when the impact of humans has never been greater, it is imperative that we understand the natural processes that control our environment. Solar energy drives climate, internal heat drives tectonics, and the interplay leads to the diverse and complex behavior inferred from geologic records. The program combines a variety of course work with opportunities for student research in the earth sciences, culminating with an original project during the student's senior year. Students conduct field, laboratory, and computer investigations in order to develop their understanding of earth materials and processes, an excellent foundation for further research in graduate school and careers, including K-12 education, that require a broad but deep understanding of our planet to solve complex problems.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

One of the following 100-level courses:

GEY 101N Environmental Geoscience 4

GEY 102N The Dynamic Earth 4

GEY 103N The Earth System 4

GEY 104N Oceans: Ancient and Modern 4

Subtotal: 4

All of the following 200-level courses:

GEY 201N Earth History 4

GEY 202 Mineralogy 4

GEY 203 Surficial Processes 4

GEY 251 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4

GEY 252 Introduction to Petrology 4

GEY 254 Structural Geology and Tectonics 4

Subtotal: 24

Two of the following:

GEY 301 Terrain Analysis 4

GEY 302 Advanced Petrology 4

GEY 303 Climate Change 4

GEY 304 Geochemistry 4

Subtotal: 8

All of the following courses:

GEY 390 Junior Seminar 2

GEY 496 Senior Research Project I 4

GEY 499 Senior Research Project II 2

Subtotal: 8

Required courses in science and mathematics

MAT 141M Calculus I 4

MAT 120M Introductory Statistics or

MAT 267 Intermediate Statistics 4

CHY 141 General Chemistry I 4

CHY 142 General Chemistry II 4

PHY 141 General Physics I 4

Subtotal: 20

Total credits for the Major: 64

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 CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE 128

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.