Geology and Earth Sciences Major

David M. Dobson, Associate Professor, Chair
Marlene L. McCauley, Professor
Angela Moore, Assistant Professor

Geology, the study of the Earth, encompasses  a variety of topics, including rocks, minerals, fossils, Earth history, plate tectonics, climate and weather, rivers, oceans and groundwater, mapping, sedimentology, natural hazards, and environmental science. Geology is a firsthand experience at Guilford . Students are involved in hands-on field experiences, in laboratory work where answers are not known beforehand, and in undergraduate research, which is presented to regional professional societies or to national conferences on undergraduate research. The program is centered on a core of courses that establish a firm academic foundation in geology as a science. In turn, this foundation serves as a springboard to graduate study, professional geology, teaching, art, environmental science, creative writing, 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. The Bachelor of Science degree is for students with a professional interest in geology and earth sciences, who are interested in graduate work leading to an advanced degree in geology and earth sciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows more flexibility for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in another field, or for those interested in working with the natural system in relation to other disciplines (e.g., teaching, law, social sciences, museum science, writing in the natural sciences).

Students pursuing either a B.S. or a B.A. in geology may also opt for a track in environmental geology.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geology & Earth Sciences

A graduate from this degree track will find employment in cross-disciplinary fields where a strong science background is critical but geology is not the primary focus of the work. As a geologist, the graduate would serve as a geologic technician in the laboratory or the field. As for graduate studies in geology, the graduate would generally be admitted to master's studies provisionally, with a deficiency in mathematics, and possibly physics.

Requirements:

  • GEOL 121: Geology and the Environment
  • GEOL 122: Historical Geology
  • GEOL 311: Mineralogy (Prerequisite: CHEM 111)
  • GEOL 312: Petrology (Prerequisite: CHEM 112)
  • GEOL 335: The Structure of the Earth
  • GEOL 415: Paleontology
  • Two electives in geology or another science (except the related field courses listed below)

Related Field Courses:  Students must take one course in mathematics (above the 110 level), plus 3 more courses from among the following:

  • CHEM 111, 112 
  • MATH 112, 115, 121, 122  
  • PHYS 211, 212   
  • EDUC 410, 420 

Students will work with their advisor to select the related feld courses that are most useful for their individual goals.

Total: 48 credit hours

Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology & Earth Sciences

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed for students who intend to pursue graduate study in the earth sciences--geology, environmental science, geography, oceanography, paleontology, hydrology, geophysics, etc. This track requires the full suite of courses expected by the profession for technical work and for graduate study.

Requirements:

  • GEOL 121: Geology and the Environment
  • GEOL 122: Historical Geology
  • GEOL 311: Earth Materials (Prerequisite: CHEM 111)
  • GEOL 312: Earth Materials: Optical Mineralogy & Petrology (Prerequisite: CHEM 112)
  • GEOL 335: The Structure of the Earth
  • GEOL 415: Paleontology
  • Two approved science electives, except the related field courses below
  • A summer geological field camp in an approved program (6 weeks intensive field study in geologic mapping)

Related Field Courses (included within the major):

  • CHEM 111 and 112
  • MATH 121-122 (Calculus)
  • PHYS 121-122 or PHYS 211-212

Total: 60 credit hours

The Track in Environmental Geology

Students pursuing either a B.S. or a B.A. 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 in pursuing graduate study in an environmental field.

Requirements:

  • GEOL 121: Geology and the Environment            
  • GEOL 122: Historical Geology
  • GEOL 233: Hydrology
  • GEOL 340: Images of the Earth
  • Plus two of the following:
    • GEOL 311: Mineralogy (Prerequisite: CHEM 111)
    • GEOL 312: Petrology (Prerequisite: CHEM 112)
    • GEOL 335: The Structure of the Earth
    • GEOL 415: Paleontology
  • Suggested electives:            
    • GEOL 230: Environmental Pollution
    • GEOL 325: Environmental Planning            
    • GEOL 416: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 
  • Plus other stated requirements for the B.A. (6 geology courses as listed above, 2 science electives, plus the 4 courses in the related field) or B.S. degree (6 geology courses as listed above, 2 science electives, a summer field course, plus the 6 courses in the related field).