| |
|
|
|
|
|
2016-2017 University Catalog
Earth Science, BS
|
|
 Banner Code: SC-BS-ESCI
College: College of Science
Department: Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences
This degree is intended for students interested in studying the Earth and its processes. Students receive a broad background in the Earth sciences and select one of five specialty concentrations. The concentrations in Earth science education, Earth surface processes, environmental geoscience, and geology are solely offered by the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences . The concentration in oceanography and estuarine science is offered jointly with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy , where specific advising is also available.
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees including the Mason Core . In addition, students must complete the following coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
GEOL 317 fulfills the writing intensive requirement for this major- with the exception of the environmental geoscience concentration, whereby GEOL 305 fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
This undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the accelerated master’s degree program in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Earth Science Concentration) .
This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please visit Green Leaf Programs and Courses .
|
Core Science and Mathematics (32-33 credits)
Additional Science
Choose one of the following options:
Concentrations (29-50 credits)
Additionally, students must choose a concentration; details and credit requirements for each are noted below.
▲ Earth Surface Processes (EP)
This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of the physical processes and natural materials found at or near the Earth’s surface that have produced the primary landforms and landscapes observed today. Fundamental concepts, methods and techniques of landscape analysis are also examined. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Additional EP Courses
Choose 10-15 credits from the following courses:
EP Concentration Total: 31-36 credits
▲ Environmental Geoscience (EVGS)
This concentration provides the tools for applying geologic information (on soils, rocks, water, weather, and landscapes) to contemporary environmental problems (including: pollution, waste management, resource extraction, natural hazards, land-use, habitat restoration, species preservation, and human health). Environmental geoscience studies the physical environment in which biological interactions take place, whereby aiding the understanding of ecology. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Additional EVGS Courses
Choose 3 credits from the following:
Additional EVGS Courses (continued)
Choose 3 credits from the following:
Additional EVGS Courses (continued)
Choose 6-12 credits from the following:
EVGS Concentration Total: 35-41 credits
▲ Geology (GEOL)
This concentration is fashioned after traditional geology bachelor’s degrees. It allows graduates to be employed as geologists in the field or to pursue graduate studies in geology. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
GEOL Concentration Total: 34 credits
▲ Oceanography and Estuarine Science (OEST)
This concentration provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of oceanography. Additional coursework in physical and chemical oceanography give insight into the aquatic environment and its link to both ecosystems and climate. Within the concentration, students can choose an open ocean or coastal ocean option. The curriculum will emphasize local and regional case studies, in particular the Chesapeake Bay. The program will provide students with the basic training required to allow them to obtain entry level positions in oceanographic and estuarine career tracks or an appropriate graduate degree program. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Additional OEST Courses
Choose one of the following 8-credit sequences:
Open Ocean or Coastal Ocean
Choose one of the following options:
OEST Concentration Total: 33-37 credits
▲ Paleontology (PLEO)
This concentration focuses on a broad understanding of Earth’s history and the evolution of life on Earth as revealed through the fossil record. Fundamental concepts, methods and techniques of historical geology and paleontological data and analysis are also examined. This concentration may not be taken in conjunction with the paleontology minor. Be aware that some of the courses below may have additional prerequisites. Students choosing this concentration must complete the following coursework:
Additional Geology Courses
Choose 9-10 credits from the following courses:
Additional Biology Course
Choose 3-5 credits from the following courses:
PLEO Concentration Total: 36-39 credits
Mason Core and Elective Credits (29-51 credits)
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- ESE concentration without Teacher Licensure: 50-51 credits
- ESE concentration with Teacher Licensure: 29-30 credits
- EP concentration: 43-49 credits
- EVGS concentration: 38-45 credits
- GEOL concentration: 45-46 credits
- PLEO concentration: 40-44 credits
- OEST concentration: 42-47 credits
Mason Core
Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.
Expand each item below for a link to specific course lists for each category:
Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)
Core Requirements (22 credits)
Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)
Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits
|
|
|
Print this Page
