Brockport / Catalogs / 2013-14 / Programs / Geology Major (BA/BS)

Geology Major

GEOLOGY MAJOR

Description

Geology majors must earn a minimum of 42 credits in required core courses and complete two semesters each of physics, calculus and chemistry. This major offers sound training in the study of the earth and its resources, and equips the student for graduate studies in geochemistry, petroleum exploration, paleontology, hydrogeology, ground water, environmental geology, or sedimentology/stratigraphy. It also provides a strong background in geology for those who seek employment at the bachelor's level, e.g., as a laboratory or environmental technician, in regulatory agencies, and as field geologists.

A. Required core courses

  • GEL 201 Introduction to Physical Geology
  • GEL 302 Historical Geology
  • GEL 306 Paleontology
  • GEL 312 Mineral Science
  • GEL 408 Structural Geology
  • GEL 411 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology
  • ESC 350 Computational Methods in the Field Sciences
  • ESC 391 Writing in the Earth Sciences
  • ESC 494 Senior Research
  • ESC 495 Senior Seminar

B. Electives

  • GEL 415 Geomorphology
  • GEL 457 Geochemistry
  • GEL 462 Groundwater
  • ESC 455 Introduction to Soils Science

C. Required Corequisite Courese

  • CHM 205, 206 College Chemistry I, II with Lab
  • MTH 201, 201 Calculus I, II
  • GEL 462 Groundwater
  • PHS 235, 240 Physics I, II with Lab

NOTE: ESC and GEL courses other than the designated electives may NOT be taken as credit toward the geology major without written departmental approval. To make normal progress toward the degree, GEL 201 and 302, and ESC 350 and ESC 391, physics, calculus and college chemistry should be completed before entering the junior year. ESC 494 and ESC 495 should be taken in the senior year. Most required courses are taught once every two years. A career as a professional geologist requires knowledge of all the natural sciences. Students who intend to pursue graduate studies should consider a minor in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology, depending on their specific field of interest within geology. Recommended supporting courses include the following:

  • ESC 230 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • ESC 412 Hydrology
  • ESC 418 Watershed Science
  • ESC 431 Environmental Applications of GIS
  • CHM 303 Analytic Chemistry
  • CHM 305 Organic Chemistry I
  • BIO 436 Water Quality Analysis
  • BIO 419 Limnology
  • MTH 203 Calculus III

 

 

Department of Earth Sciences

Department Chair: Scott Rochette
Location: Lennon 317
Visit Website
Email: earthsci@esc.brockport.edu
Phone: (585) 395-2636
Fax: (585) 395-2416

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Faculty & Staff

    


Whitney J Autin Ph.D
 (Louisiana State University + Agricultural + Mechan)  
Professor
Dave  Boehm MS
 (SUNY At Buffalo)  
Lecturer
Christine  Crafts BS
 (SUNY College At Brockport)  
Lecturer
Jutta S Dudley Ph.D
 (SUNY College At Buffalo)  
Lecturer
Lauri A Kifer AAS
 (Monroe Community College)  
Secretary 1
David  Lerach Ph.D
 (Colorado State University)  
Visiting Assistant Professor
Leigh J Little Ph.D
 (Arizona State University At The Tempe Campus)  
Associate Professor + Interim Chair
Judy  Massare Ph.D
 (Johns Hopkins University)  
Professor
Thomas M McDermott BS
 (SUNY College At Brockport)  
Systems Administrator
Mark R Noll Ph.D
 (University Of Delaware)  
Professor
Paul  Richards Ph.D
 (Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus)  
On Leave
Emily E Robinson MED
 (Texas A+M University)  
Adjunct Lecturer
Scott M Rochette Ph.D
 (Saint Louis University-Main Campus)  
Associate Professor
Robert S Weinbeck Ph.D
 (Iowa State University)  
Assoc Prof
Carol G Zollweg MS
 (Syracuse University)  
Adjunct Lecturer
James A Zollweg Ph.D
 (Cornell University)  
Associate Professor and Chair