Geology (BS.GEY)

We are no longer accepting applications for the Geology major.  Students are invited to take the Minor in Geology.

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.