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Geology Major
Geology students engage in both field studies in local and regional locals, and laboratory studies in our modern labs. Undergraduate research opportunities extend learning opportunities outside the classroom and lead to presentations at national conferences.
The geology major is structured to provide the fundamental skills in geology and supporting courses in chemistry, physics and math while allowing students the flexibility to tailor their degree to individual interests. The curriculum provides the foundations required by graduate schools and employers for a wide variety of careers in areas such as environmental geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and oil and natural gas exploration.
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.
Curriculum Overview
Students of geology at The 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.
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.
Course Listing
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.
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.
Core courses (42 credit hours (cr.)):
| GEL 201 | Introduction to Physical Geology | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 302 | Historical Geology | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 306 | Introduction to Paleontology | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 312 | Mineral Science | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 408 | Structural Geology | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 411 | Stratigraphy and Sedimentology | (4 cr.) |
| ESC 350 | Computational Methods in the Field Sciences | (3 cr.) |
| ESC 391 | Writing in the Earth Sciences | (1 cr.) |
| ESC 493 | Seminar on Earth Science Problems | (2 cr.) |
| Designated electives (12 cr.): | ||
| GEL 415 | Geomorphology | (4 cr.) |
| ESC 455 | Soil Science | (3 cr.) |
| GEL 462 | Groundwater | (4 cr.) |
| GEL 457 | Geochemistry | (4 cr.) |
Required corequisite courses (24 hours):
| MTH 201-202 | Calculus I, II | (8 cr.) |
| PHS 201-202 | Physics I, II | (8 cr.) |
| CHM 205-206 | Chemistry I, II | (8 cr.) |
