Geology, Bachelor of Science

In addition to University Requirements:

• At least 72 units of major requirements including 15-40 units of concentration or emphasis requirements

• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

• Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion	120
Highest Mathematics Required	MAT 137
Additional Admission Requirements	Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship	Required
Research	Optional
Additional Fees/Program Fees	Required
University Honors Program	Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S	Recommended
Progression Plan Link	View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Geology program in SESES develops an interdisciplinary base of knowledge that students use to understand the physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history. A distinguishing characteristic of geology is that it includes deep time in its understanding of terrestrial and solar system processes.

The Geology program is based on a strong foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics that provides an underpinning for the students as they move through the program and start to develop an appreciation for the complexities of interconnected Earth systems and their physical and chemical processes. Students work in field and lab environments, using the scientific method to develop an understanding of Earth materials and to synthesize information from diverse sources and methods to interpret the geological history of the Earth and the processes that occur on and below its surface. This includes the analysis of topographic maps 40 and remote sensing images using GIS tools to study the three-dimensional geometry of rock units, as well as geochemical and geophysical data obtained in the field and laboratory.

The three emphases within the program allow the students to develop a deeper understanding of specific fields within the subject and to prepare themselves for a range of professional opportunities. These enable them to explore the use of a range of geophysical and geochemical data and understand how to apply it to solve environmental and geotechnical problems. The program also provides experience in studying the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze interconnected Earth systems, with special emphasis on the physical and chemical processes that result from plate tectonics and its role in Earth history.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Earth materials, their physical properties and behavior as recorders of geological processes.
3. Synthesize various types of field information such as, orientation of linear and planar features, stratigraphic principles, and spatial relationships of rock units to interpret the geological history of the Earth.
4. Be able to read geologic literature and present geoscientific information clearly and concisely in written, graphical, visual, and oral forms.
5. Analyze topographic maps and remote sensing images using GIS tools to identify three-dimensional geometry of rock units.
6. Use an understanding of deep Earth structures and processes and their relationships to explain surface geologic hazards such as volcanism, earthquakes, and mass wasting.
7. Use laboratory and field methods, analytical and computational techniques and software, and image data to interpret Earth’s materials, processes, and history.
8. Show proficiency in quantitative problem solving in a geologic context using knowledge from mathematics and supporting sciences.
9. Understand the broad physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history.

Paleontology Emphasis

1. Explore core aspects of paleontology including phylogenetic analysis and the use of taphofacies, ichnofacies, and fossil assemblages to determine sedimentary depositional environments.
2. Apply an understanding of the evolution of organisms through time to problems of dating geological sequences.

Applied Geology Emphasis

1. Explore the use of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and geomorphic data and apply it to develop solutions to environmental and geotechnical problems.
2. Study the interactions of humans with Earth systems using mathematical, physical, and chemical methods.

Geophysics Emphasis

1. Understand how mathematical and physical concepts and principles may be applied to solving problems of the solid Earth.
2. Obtain and analyze geophysical data including seismology, gravity, magnetics, and resistivity to answer questions about the Earth’s subsurface and surface processes such as earthquakes

 

Additional Admission Requirements

• You will be automatically admitted to Northern Arizona University's geology program if you:

  • Have completed the GLG 309 prerequisites of GLG 101, GLG 103, (MAT 125 or MAT 136), CHM 151, and CHM 151L with grades of "C" or better
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5

• If you don’t meet these requirements, you must apply to the program by writing a letter of application, supported by current transcripts, before entering GLG 309. Send your application to the program coordinator of the Geology Program (see School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability for more information).

• You must be admitted to the program before you can enroll in any of the following courses: GLG 309, GLG 315, GLG 324, GLG 350W, GLG 435, GLG 440C, and GLG 470.

Major Requirements

• Take the following 71 - 97 units:
  
  Core Requirements (56-57 units)

• • Select one of the following combinations (4 units):

    • GLG 101, GLG 103 (Recommended)
    • GLG 112, GLG 112L with grades of "B" or better

• • GLG 102, GLG 104, GLG 240, GLG 309, GLG 324, GLG 340, GLG 435 (20 units)
  • GLG 350W (3 units)
  • GLG 439, GLG 440C (5 units)
  • CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152, CHM 152L (9 units)
  • MAT 136, MAT 137 (8 units)
  • (PHY 111 and PHY 112) or (PHY 161 and PHY 262) (7-8 units)

• • The PHY 161 and PHY 262 pairing is recommended, and is specifically required for those who choose the Applied Geology and Geophysics Emphasis. PHY 262L is not required.

• • GLG 490 is not required, but is highly recommended
  • GLG 490 is, however, required for the program honors

• 
  Concentration or Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
  

• • General Geology Concentration (15 units)
    Please note that if the General Geology Concentration is chosen, the diploma will indicate simply BS Geology.
    • GLG 225, GLG 315, GLG 470 (11 units)
    • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451 (4 units)

• • Applied Geology Emphasis (40 units)
    
    • GLG 259, GLG 259L, GLG 360, GLG 450, GLG 451, GLG 460, GLG 475 (22 units)
    • GLG electives chosen in consultation with your advisor (6 units)
    • ENV 115 (3 units)
    • GSP 239 (3 units)
    • PHI 331 (3 units)
    • STA 270 (3 units)

• • Geophysics Emphasis (27 units)
    • GLG 315, GLG 470 (7 units)
    • MAT 238, (MAT 239 or PHY 301) (7 units)
    • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451, GLG 460 (4 units)

• • • Select three additional courses from the following with your advisor's approval (two must be PHY courses) (9 units):

      • PHY 263, PHY 264, PHY 321, PHY 322, PHY 331, PHY 332, PHY 441
      • GLG 565

• • Paleontology Emphasis (26 units)
    • GLG 225, GLG 315, GLG 470 (11 units)
    • BIO 181, BIO 181L, BIO 182, BIO 182L (8 units)
    • Select one from: GLG 360, (GLG 259 and GLG 259L), GLG 451 (4 units)

• • • Select one of the following with your advisor's approval (3 units):

      • BIO 221, BIO 223, BIO 373, BIO 415
      • GLG 530

General Electives

• Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

  You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
  
  We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

• Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

Additional Information

• Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program 
  
  This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
   

• PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION

• Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $700 per semester for 3 semesters in the students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.

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