David M. Dobson, Associate Professor, Chair
Marlene L. McCauley, Professor
Geology is an integrative science that shapes our understanding of the planet through study of the Earth’s processes. The field of Geology encompasses a variety of topics, including earth materials, earth history, fossils, climate, ground and surface water, natural hazards, and environmental science. Guilford geology students are involved in hands-on field experiences, inquiry-based laboratory work, and undergraduate research. The geology major serves as a foundation for graduate study, professional geology, teaching, environmental science, environmental law, resource management and geography.
Degrees Offered
The Geology and Earth Sciences major is offered for either the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Bachelor of Science degree. Students pursuing either an A.B. or B.S. in geology may also opt for a track in environmental geology.
Major Requirements for the A.B. in Geology & Earth Sciences
The A.B. degree allows more flexibility for students interested in working in the environmental field, teaching, law, museums and technical writing. For graduate studies in geology, the B.S. is generally required. The major requires a minimum of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
- GEOL 121 Geology and the Environment or GEOL 141 Oceanography – 4 credits
- GEOL 122 Historical Geology – 4 credits
- GEOL 311 Optical Mineralogy – 4 credits
- GEOL 312 Petrology – 4 credits
- GEOL 335 Structural Geology – 4 credits
- GEOL 415 Paleontology – 4 credits
- Two elective lab courses – 8 credits
Related Field Courses: Students must take one course in mathematics (above the 110 level), plus three more courses from among the following or others as approved by the department:
- Any MATH course above MATH 110 – 4 credits
- Three courses from: 12 credits
- CHEM 111, CHEM 112, MATH 112, MATH 115, MATH 121, MATH 122, EDUC 410, EDUC 420, PHYS 211, PHYS 212, PHYS 121, or PHYS 122
Total credits required for A.B. degree in Geology and Earth Sciences – 48 credits
Students will work with their advisors to select the electives and related field courses that are most useful for their individual goals.
Major Requirements for the B.S. in Geology & Earth Sciences
The B.S. degree is designed for students who intend to pursue graduate study in the earth sciences or are seeking employment in fields such as geology, environmental science, geography, oceanography, paleontology, hydrology, or geophysics. This track requires a number of related field courses expected by the profession for technical work and for graduate study. The major requires a minimum of 60 credit hours (15 courses).
- GEOL 121 Geology and the Environment or GEOL 141 Oceanography – 4 credits
- GEOL 122 Historical Geology – 4 credits
- GEOL 311 Optical Mineralogy – 4 credits
- GEOL 312 Petrology – 4 credits
- GEOL 335 Structural Geology – 4 credits
- GEOL 415 Paleontology – 4 credits
- Two elective lab courses – 8 credits
- Summer Field Camp – 4 credits
Related Field Courses (included within the major):
- CHEM 111 Chemistry Principles I – 4 credits
- CHEM 112 Chemistry Principles II – 4 credits
- MATH 121 Calculus I – 4 credits
- MATH 122 Calculus II – 4 credits
- PHYS 121 Classical and Modern Physics I or PHYS 211 College Physics I – 4 credits
- PHYS 122 Classical and Modern Physics II or PHYS 212 College Physics II – 4 credits
Total credits required for B.S. degree in Geology and Earth Sciences – 60 credits
Major Requirements for the A.B. and B.S. Track in Environmental Geology
Students pursuing either an A.B. or B.S. in geology may opt for a track in environmental geology. This track provides a strong background in geology but is designed for students interested in environmental consulting or pursuing graduate study in an environmental field.
- GEOL 121 Geology and the Environment or GEOL 141 Oceanography – 4 credits
- GEOL 122 Historical Geology – 4 credits
- GEOL 223 Hydrology – 4 credits
- GEOL 340 Images of the Earth – 4 credits
- Two courses from the following: 8 credits
- GEOL 311 Optical Mineralogy (Prerequisite: CHEM 111)
- GEOL 312 Petrology (Prerequisite: CHEM 112)
- GEOL 335 Structural Geology
- GEOL 415 Paleontology
- Two elective lab courses – 8 credits
Suggested Electives:- GEOL 230/ENVS 330 Environmental Pollution
- GEOL 416 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Additional requirements for A.B. track in Environmental Geology
- Any MATH course above MATH 110 – 4 credits
- Three courses from: 12 credits
- CHEM 111, CHEM 112, MATH 112, MATH 115, MATH 121, MATH 122, EDUC 410, EDUC 420, PHYS 211, PHYS 212 or others as approved by the department
Total credits required for A.B. track in Environmental Geology – 48 credits
Additional requirements for B.S. track in Environmental Geology
- Summer Field Course – 4 credits
- CHEM 111 Chemical Principles I – 4 credits
- CHEM 112 Chemical Principles II – 4 credits
- MATH 121 Calculus I – 4 credits
- MATH 122 Calculus II – 4 credits
- PHYS 121 Classical and Modern Physics I or PHYS 211 College Physics I – 4 credits
- PHYS 122 Classical and Modern Physics II or PHYS 212 College Physics II – 4 credits
Total credits required for B.S. track in Environmental Geology – 60 credits
