Geosciences, BS

Ken Johnson, PhD, Coordinator
N808, 713-221-5375

The Bachelor of Science in Geosciences provides both a broad-based curriculum in the liberal arts and the natural sciences. In addition to a broad foundation in the geosciences, this degree includes advanced courses in Earth systems, crustal processes, and geological applications. This degree is designed to meet the needs of those interested in graduate studies in geology and careers in the oil and gas industry, environmental sciences, and government agencies.

Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO1: Problem Solving: Graduates will be able to carry out independent project-based activities, using geological observations and data to solve a problem.

PLO2: Basic Knowledge: Graduates will have the basic knowledge of their curriculum, including elements of mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy, and plate tectonics.

PLO3: Laboratory Skills: Graduates will have laboratory skills common to modern laboratories, particularly in the use of a Brunton compass and a petrographic microscope.

Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Common Core Requirements

See the Common Core Requirements section of the catalog for Undergraduate Academic Programs.

Integrated Requirements in Communication and Ethics

Students pursuing degrees in the Natural Sciences must complete two courses in written communication and one course in ethics. Generally these required courses are integrated into each degree. A list of these required courses is found here .

Major Requirements

Mathematics and Science (35-36 hours)

GEOL 1305 - Physical Geology
GEOL 1105 - Physical Geology Laboratory
GEOL 1306 - Historical Geology
GEOL 1106 - Historical Geology Laboratory
CHEM 1307 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 1107 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 1308 - General Chemistry II
CHEM 1108 - General Chemistry Laboratory II
PHYS 1307 - General Physics I
PHYS 1107 - General Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1308 - General Physics II
PHYS 1108 - General Physics Laboratory II
or
CS 1411 - Introduction to Computer Science with Python
MATH 2401 - Calculus I
or
MATH 2411 - Calculus I for the Natural Sciences
and one of the following:
MATH 2402 - Calculus II *
MATH 2412 - Calculus II for the Natural Sciences *
MATH 2307 - Linear Algebra
*Students interested in furthering their education in graduate school are encouraged to take MATH 2402 or MATH 2412 .

Geology Core Courses (25 hours)

Note:

* Field Geology may be coordinated with other universities by departmental approval

Supplemental Geology Courses (14-15 hours).

Select at least one course from each category.

Categories:

Earth System Courses

Crustal Processes Courses

Applications Courses

GEOL 3306 - Remote Sensing - Geographic Information Systems
GEOL 3340 - Inorganic Geochemistry
GEOL 4307 - Elemental Analysis in Geochemistry
GEOL 4402 - Geophysics
GEOL 3300 - Undergraduate Research *
Note:

A maximum of 6 hours of Undergraduate Research will count toward the degree. The remaining hours up to 120 hours can be satisfied with free electives. Students are encouraged to use an undergraduate research course to satisfy part of this requirement.