Geology

Geology | Geology Courses | Geosciences Faculty

Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts

Contact: R. Mark Leckie

Office: 252 Morrill

Phone: 545-1948

Web site: www.geo.umass.edu

The Field

The primary objectives of geology are to understand the many complex processes that constantly change the earth and other terrestrial planets, and to decipher the history of the earth and terrestrial planets from the time of origin of the solar system to the present day. Achieving those objectives involves diverse activities. Geologists study active natural features such as coastlines, glaciers, lakes and rivers, and volcanoes. Geologic mapping of rocks, sediments, and other features is done to learn of past events and conditions, and field/laboratory studies are conducted to determine fundamental chemical and physical properties of minerals, rocks, sediments, and surface and ground waters. Finding and developing deposits of industrial minerals and rocks, metallic ores, gas and oil, and groundwater aquifers, as well as managing geologic hazards and toxic waste all require insight into geological relationships and processes. A great deal of research (especially in the department) studies the earth's climate history from the perspective of both terrestrial and marine environments. Computer skills are also emphasized in the geosciences. Such activities add a strong practical flavor to the academic challenge.

The Major

All students majoring in Geology are required to maintain a 2.0 average for all upper-division courses taken to fulfill degree requirements. The Junior Year Writing requirement is fulfilled by GEO 307 Geologic Writing.

The B.A. degree program is intended to provide a firm background in geology while allowing sufficient flexibility to pursue other areas as well. This degree is suitable for Pre-Law and Pre-Dent/Pre-Med students. Requirements include 15 credits of supporting science and mathematics, GEO 101 (or any other introductory geology course) plus GEO 131 and 201, and 21 credits of upper-division geology or physical geography courses (GEO 231 or courses numbered 300 and above) with a minimum of 15 credits in geology. Upper division courses should be selected in consultation with a geology adviser.

B.S. Programs

Two separate Bachelor of Science tracks are available. The Geology Track provides a strong background for students wishing professional careers in geology. Requirements include CHEM 111-112, MATH 127-128 or 131-132 or 135-136, and two semesters of Physics (131-134 or 151-154 or 171-174) or two semesters of Biology (100-101 or 102-103); most geology majors should elect MATH 131-132 or 135-136 and PHYSIC 151-154, but discussion with an adviser is strongly recommended. GEO 101 (or any other introductory geology course) plus GEO 131, and GEO 201, 231, 311, 321, 331, 431, and 445 make up the core of this option. An additional 12 credits in upper division geology or physical geography courses numbered 300 or above, or in relevant supporting sciences or mathematics, are also required; the biology course used to satisfy University General Education requirements cannot be counted towards this requirement, and if courses from mathematics, physics, or chemistry are elected, they must be more advanced than the required courses listed above. All electives should be selected in consultation with a geology adviser. The department strongly recommends that candidates enhance their employability by acquiring practical field experience before they graduate.

For the B.S. Degree, Geology Track

Introductory Courses

101 The Earth (recommended; 103 or 105 or 109 accepted)

131 Experiencing Geology

201 History of the Earth

231 Introductory Field Geology

Core Courses

311 Mineralogy

321 Petrology

331 Advanced Field Geology

431 Structural Geology

445 Sedimentology

Commonly Selected Upper-division Electives

415 Introduction to Geochemistry

483 Environmental Evolution

519 Aqueous and Environmental

Geochemistry

531 Tectonics

539 Advanced Geologic Mapping

551 Geometrics

560 Geomorphology

563 Glacial Geology

571 Geophysics

587 Hydrogeology

For the B.S. Degree, Earth Science Track

The Earth Science Track is recommended to students interested in teaching at the secondary school level, or in pursuing graduate studies leading to the M.A.T. or M.Ed. degrees. The program requires completion of courses (some specified) comprising four blocks. The Basic Earth Science Block (13 cr) requires GEO 101, 103 and 131, ASTRON 100 and 105 (or GEO 354). The Supporting Sciences Block (23-24 cr) requires at least one course in biology (BIOL 100, 102, or 103), at least one course in calculus (MATH 127, 131, or 135), two semesters of chemistry (CHEM 111-112, or equivalent), and two semesters of physics (PHYSIC 131-134 or 151-154 or 171-174). The required courses in the Geology Block (15 cr) are GEO 201 (or 341), 231, 311, and 321. An Electives Block (9 cr) consists of upper-division courses in Geology or Physical Geography (courses numbered 300 and above). Students are encouraged to take an environmental geology or related course as part of the Electives Block.

Teacher Certification: Undergraduate students must achieve a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests (MECT) prior to admission into professional preparation programs for educators. In addition to meeting other preparation program requirements, each student in a program for which there is an MECT Subject Test must pass the appropriate Subject Test as a prerequisite for enrolling in his or her practicum.

For further information about the procedures leading to teacher certification in Massachusetts, students should follow the guidelines in the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) available at the School of Education.

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of employment opportunities are open to geologists. Most are employed in private industry by firms involved in environmental and engineering geology and groundwater, and in exploration for oil and mineral resources. A growing number of geology graduates obtain employment with federal or state geological surveys, or with agencies involved with the environment or with energy. Although government agencies and industrial firms hire some geologists with B.S. or B.A. degrees, these employers generally prefer geologists who have obtained the M.S. degree. Currently a few colleges and secondary schools also hire geologists.

The Minor

The minor in geology is flexible, so that it can complement the student's major in the best possible manner. A student desiring to minor in geology must complete the following requirements:

1. GEO 101 The Earth, GEO 131 Experiencing Geology, and GEO 201 History of the Earth

2. 12 credits in upper-division geology courses (GEO 231 and courses numbered 300 and above), no more than 3 credits of which may be in Seminars, Special Problems, or Independent Study. Courses must be approved by one of the regular geology advisers.

3. All prerequisites for courses selected for the minor, both in geology and in supporting science and mathematics.

Note: All students minoring in Geology are required to maintain a 2.0 average for all upper-division courses taken to fulfill degree requirements.

Geology | Geology Courses | Geosciences Faculty