2014-2015 University Catalog

Geology, BA

Banner Code: SC-BA-GEOL

This program of study is offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences in the College of Science.

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees , including the Mason Core requirements. Students majoring in geology must complete additional college requirements for the BA degree in COS.

Candidates for a degree in geology must also complete the following with a minimum GPA of 2.50, and through the course work below will satisfy the university wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning. GEOL 317 fulfills the writing intensive requirement for this major.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please go to Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Degree Requirements

Geology Core (38 credits)

GEOL 101 - Introductory Geology I Credits: 4
GEOL 102 - Introductory Geology II Credits: 4
GEOL 302 - Mineralogy Credits: 4
GEOL 304 - Sedimentary Geology Credits: 4 *
GEOL 308 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Credits: 4 *
GEOL 312 - Invertebrate Paleontology Credits: 4
GEOL 317 - Geomorphology Credits: 4
GEOL 401 - Structural Geology Credits: 4
GEOL 404 - Geological Field Techniques Credits: 1-8 (for 6 credits) OR a 6-credit geology field camp (see advisor for details)

Note

* Students must achieve a grade of 2.00 or better in GEOL 302 before taking GEOL 304 or GEOL 308 .

Chemistry (4 credits)

CHEM 211 - General Chemistry Credits: 4

Physics (4 credits)

Choose from the following:

PHYS 243 - College Physics Credits: 3 and
PHYS 244 - College Physics Lab Credits: 1
or
PHYS 160 - University Physics I Credits: 3 and
PHYS 161 - University Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1

Mathematics (3-4 credits)

Choose one from the following:

MATH 110 - Introductory Probability Credits: 3
MATH 111 - Linear Mathematical Modeling Credits: 3
MATH 113 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Credits: 4

Computer Science (3-4 credits)

Choose one from the following:

CDS 130 - Computing for Scientists Credits: 3
GEOL 316 - Computers in Geology Credits: 3
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4
IT 103 - Introduction to Computing Credits: 3

Program Courses (9 credits)

Students must take 9 credits of degree-related course work in a coherent program designed in coordination with advisor and approved by department chair.

Total: 61-63 credits

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits

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