Program Overview

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Geosciences: Geology Emphasis

Overview

Our planet is more than meets the eye. Students who select the Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with a Geology emphasis provides students with an understanding of fundamental concepts in geosciences including the basic structure of the Earth, major events in the evolution of life on Earth, plate tectonics, formation and importance of Earth materials and natural resources, processes that shape and change our planet, and linkages between humans and our physical environment. Graduates pursue careers in research, energy, mineral resources, academia and more.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Teamwork and leadership
• The basic structure of the Earth, and how this structure is known
• Theories for the origin of the Earth
• Be able to access information through traditional and new technologies
• Teaching and assisting others in learning
• Major events in the evolution of the Earth; Main events in the evolution of life on Earth
• Be able to critically evaluate information from multiple perspectives
• Involvement in campus and community service
• Understand the process of scientific inquiry
• Involvement in research
• The fundamentals of plate tectonics
• Exposure to career options and opportunities
• Understand the relationship of Geosciences to other areas of science and to society in general
• The main classes of minerals
• The nature and origin of each of the main types of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks
• The nature and distribution of sedimentary environments on Earth
• The nature and significance of structures, such as folds, faults, and joints
• The first-order processes that shape the surface of the Earth (e.g., rivers, glaciers, mass wasting, wind, weathering, erosion)
• The nature and origin of mineral and hydrocarbon resources on Earth
• The possible linkages between human activities and our physical environment (e.g., global climate change)

Program Details

Sample Courses

• GEOS 302: Principles of Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
• GEOS 306: Mineralogy
• GEOS 308: Paleontology

Career Fields

• Geology
• Geoscience
• Mineralogy
• Oil and gas
• Geological and environmental consulting
• Natural resources

Level of Math

Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Science

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Geosciences: Geology Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • GEOS 251 Physical Geology (4)
  • MATH 122A & 122B Calculus I (5)
  • ENGL Foundation Composition 1st Semester (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)
• 2nd Semester
  • GEOS 255 Historical Geology (recommended) (4)
  • MATH 129 Calculus II (3)
  • CHEM Introductory Chemistry 1st Semester (4)
  • ENGL Foundation Composition 2nd Semester (3)
• 2nd Semester Summer
  • CHEM Introductory Chemistry 2nd Semester (4)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • GEOS 306 Mineralogy (3)
  • MATH: Additional Math (3)
  • PHYS Physics I (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• 4th Semester
  • GEOS 300 Earth Surface Processes (3)
  • GEOS 356 Petrology (4)
  • PHYS Physics II (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • GEOS 302 Principles Stratigraphy & Sedimentation (4)
  • Geology Emphasis (3)
  • Computer Applications (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Elective (3)
• 6th Semester
  • Geology Emphasis (3)
  • GEOS 304 Structural Geology (4)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Elective (3)
• 6th Semester Summer
  • Capstone Experience: Field Camp (6)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • GEOS 322 (3)
  • Geology Emphasis (2)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Elective (3)
• 8th Semester
  • Geology Emphasis (3)
  • GEOS 308 Paleontology (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (2)
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)