Department of The Earth Sciences
MS Word copy of the Geology Student Handbook
This information defines the course of study leading to a B.S. in Geology at SUNY College at Brockport and should be used in conjunction with the SUNY Brockport Undergraduate Studies catalog, Your Right To Know, and the Academic Policies Handbook. This information applies to students matriculating Spring 2002 or later. (If you matriculated earlier, contact the Department of the Earth Sciences for the earlier handbook.)
INTRODUCTION
Students of geology at SUNY College at Brockport have contact with professional geologists of the department faculty in a close knit, informal scholastic environment. The faculty is readily accessible to students for advice in curricular and career planning. The geology major is structured to provide the level of training and competence required by graduate schools and employers for a wide variety of careers in areas such as environmental geology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. Pursuit of a professional career normally entails postgraduate study; however, direct employment opportunities are available to qualified graduates. Brockport geology graduates have been very successful in gaining admission to graduate schools, and in progressing to professional employment with various governmental agencies and private industry. Many of our graduates who have gone on to graduate studies have been awarded assistantships which cover a substantial part of the costs.
While learning the fundamental concepts of geological science, students are trained to think analytically, creatively, and quantitatively, gaining first-hand experience in laboratory and field techniques used in the study of geological materials. Classes are small, generally 20 or less. Appropriate field experiences are integral to the program; the development of observational and analytical skills in actual field situations is stressed. Field work is an important component of course work. Upper-level students with appropriate training and demonstrated ability may participate in faculty research or other Independent Study projects for credit. In the required senior seminar, geology students gain valuable experience working on a small research project with the guidance of a faculty member. Results are presented orally to an audience of fellow students and faculty.
ADVISEMENT
Advisors assist students in solving procedural problems, provide general information, and answer specific questions relating to a student's program. Dr. Mark R. Noll advises the geology majors. If you are considering majoring in geology, contact him at (585) 395-5717 or at mnoll@esc.brockport.edu to discuss a program of study to meet your interests and needs. To be kept informed of advisement dates and changes that may affect your program, declare your major in geology as soon as possible
ADVISEMENT FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
If you are planning to transfer into the geology major at SUNY College at Brockport from another college, consider the curriculum in this handbook for guidance. A physical geology course (with lab), a historical geology course (with lab), and two semesters each of chemistry and physics, and Calculus I & II should be completed prior to matriculating if you are planning to complete the major in two years. If the college you presently attend doesn't offer equivalent geology courses, you are advised to complete mathematics, physics, chemistry and non-science core courses at the level of the curriculum listed here before you transfer to the geology major at Brockport.
MAJOR IN GEOLOGY
Geology majors must earn a minimum of 42 hours in geology/earth science courses, supplementing the required core with electives related to career goals and interests. At least 21 upper-division hours must be taken at Brockport. Additionally, you are required to complete one year of study each in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Core courses (42 hours)
GEL 201 Introduction to Physical Geology (4)
GEL 302 Historical Geology (4)
GEL 306 Introduction to Paleontology (4)
GEL 312 Mineral Science (4)
GEL 408 Structural Geology (4)
GEL 411 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (4)
ESC 350 Computational Methods in the Field Sciences (3)
ESC 391 Writing in the Earth Sciences (1)
ESC 493 Seminar on Earth Science Problems (2)
Designated electives (12)
To make normal progress toward the degree, GEL 201 and 302 should be taken in the freshman year, ESC 350 and ESC 391 in the sophomore year, and ESC 493 in the senior year. In planning your program, keep in mind that most upper-division electives are offered only once every two years. You should talk with your major advisor as soon as you declare geology as your major.
Designated electives *
GEL 415 Geomorphology (4)
GEL 457 Geochemistry (4)
GEL 462 Groundwater (4)
ESC 455 Soil Science (3)
Required Corequisite Courses
CHM 205-206 College Chemistry I and II (8)
PHS 201-202 College Physics I and II (8)
MTH 201-202 Calculus I and II 6
*Courses not listed here as electives may not be taken as credit toward the geology
major without written departmental approval.
SUGGESTED CURRICULUM PATTERN
The following curriculum provides a strong background in geology and related sciences to prepare a student for employment as a professional geologist or for graduate studies. For students planning to pursue graduate studies, a minor in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, or computer science is recommended.
FRESHMAN YEAR
GEL 201 Intro to Physical Geology 4
GEL 302 Historical Geology 4
CHM 205 College Chemistry 4
CHM 206 College Chemistry 4
MTH 201 Calculus I 3
MTH 202 Calculus II 3
ENL 112 College Composition 3
GEP 100 Academic Planning 1
General education electives
SOPHOMORE YEAR
GEL 312 Mineral Science 4
ESC 350 Computational Methods 3
PHS 201 Physics I 4
PHS 202 Physics II 4
ESC 391 Writing in Earth Sci. 1
General education electives
JUNIOR YEAR
GEL 306 Intro. Paleontology 4
GEL 415 Geomorphology 4
ESC 455 Soil Science 3
GEL 462 Groundwater 4
Electives
SENIOR YEAR
GEL 411 Stratigraphy/Sedimentology. 4
ESC 493 Seminar in Earth Sci. Problems 2
GEL 408 Structural Geology 4
GEL 457 Geochemistry 4
Electives
MINOR IN GEOLOGY
An undergraduate minor is not required by the College, but may be elected. Eighteen hours are required and must include: GEL 201 Introduction to Physical Geology, GEL 302 Historical Geology, plus other courses as advised.
POLICY ON MAJORS AND MINORS
Majors through the Department of the Earth Sciences are strongly encouraged to have a second major or minor in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics or computer sciences, rather than within the department. Courses applied towards fulfilling the major CANNOT also be applied to a minor within the department. Where the same courses are required for both the major and minor, the minor work must be 18 credits beyond those commonly required credits.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
1. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours in an approved program with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 earned at Brockport, and a maximum of 54 semester hours in any one discipline.
2. Completion of the general education requirement of the College (by course work, transfer credit, or appropriate waiver).
3. Completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours in upper division courses (numbered 300 or 400 level).
4. Completion of 60 semester hours of liberal arts courses.
5. Completion of an academic major program with a minimum cumulative index of 2.0 in all courses required for the major.
| Contact Us | Home |