Geology (BS.GEY)

For further information about this major, contact Dr. Andy Vermilyea (chair of Natural Sciences)

A comprehensive program in geology designed for preparation for graduate school, a career in geology, or secondary education.

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Geology will demonstrate:

Knowledge and Understanding of Geological Concepts

• Comprehend and create a geologic map, construct a geologic cross-section, and construct and contour map.
• Use appropriate technological tools.
• Identify common rocks and minerals in hand sample and in thin section.
• Understand how physical properties of rocks and minerals relate to chemistry and crystal structure.
• Describe the layers of the Earth and understand the evidence used to deduce this structure.
• Characterize the major physiographic features of the Earth.
• Understand the theory of plate techtonics
• Explain rock structures at different scales, describe the rock and hydrologic cycles, and relate igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary phenomena to plate tectonic processes.
• Understand the scope of geologic time, the chronology of major Earth events, and geologic age-dating methods.

Intellectual Skills

• Make systematic observations, construct hypotheses and make predictions, design an experiment, interpret data, and form conclusions based on the data.
• Locate, comprehend, assess, and apply the scholarly work of scientists according to accepted practices.
• Communicate scientific information, both orally and in writing, according to accepted practice in the field of geology.
• Use appropriate mathematical and statistical methods to evaluate and interpret geologic data.

Civic Learning

• Clear understanding of the issues and involvement of geology in modern society.