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Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

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Geology (GEOL)

College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
1115 Geology Building, 301-405-4365
www.geol.umd.edu
Chair: M. Brown
Professors: P. Candela, W. McDonough, R. Rudnick, R. Walker, A. Wylie (Distinguished Scholar Teacher)
Associate Professors: J. Farquhar, A. Kaufman (Affil Assoc Prof), K. Prestegaard
Assistant Professors: A. Campbell, S. Hier-Majumder, A. Martin, L. Montesi, S. Penniston-Dorland, W. Zhu
Lecturers: E. Brabson, T. Centorbi, J. Merck
Affiliate Professors: A. Busalacchi (Prof & Dir), G. Helz (Res Prof), B. James (Prof & Dir, Affiliate Prof), D. Lathrop (Prof & Dir)
Affiliate Associate Professors: N. Zeng (Aff Asst Prof, Assoc Prof)
Adjunct Professors: S. Sorensen, E. Zen
Adjunct Associate Professors: J. Bohlke
Adjunct Assistant Professors: J. Baldwin, B. Wing
Professors Emeriti: L. Chang (Prof Emeritus), P. Stifel (Assoc Prof Emeritus)
Visiting Faculty: H. Becker (Visit Res Prof), M. Fogel (Visit Prof), T. Johnson (Visit Res Assoc), I. Lee (Visit Assoc Prof), W. Minarik (Visit Asst Res Sci), R. Moraes (Visit Res Assoc), J. Ryan (Visit Prof), P. Tomascak (Visit Asst Res Sci)

The Major

Geology is the science of the Earth. In its broadest sense, geology concerns itself with planetary formation and subsequent modification, with emphasis on the study of planet Earth. Geologists study Earth's internal and surficial structure and materials, the chemical and physical processes acting within and on the Earth, and utilize the principles of mathematics, physics,chemistry, and biology to understand our planet and its environments.

Geological Studies encompass all the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of Earth. Increasingly, geologists are taking a holistic approach in the collection and interpretation of data about the Earth, which means that the wider context of the geological sciences is broad and diverse. In studying the Earth as a system, we are concerned with geology and geophysics, hydrology, oceanography and marine science, meteorology and atmospheric science, planetary science, and soil science. A major in any relevant discipline can lead to a satisfying career within the geological sciences. In general, graduate training is expected for advancement to the most rewarding positions and for academic employment.

Program Objectives

Geologists are employed by governmental, industrial, and academic organizations. Geologists work in exploration for new mineral and hydrocarbon resources, as consultants on engineering and environmental projects, as teachers and researchers in universities, and in many other challenging positions. For many, the attraction of a career in geology is the ability to divide time between work in the field, the laboratory, and the office. Although the employment outlook within geology varies with the global economic climate, the long-range outlook is good. This is because our dwindling energy, mineral, and water resources, along with increasing concerns about natural hazards and environmental issues, present new challenges for geologists.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Geology Program at Maryland includes a broad range of undergraduate courses to accommodate both Geology majors and students within the Environmental Science and Policy Program. Within the Geology major, a requirement exists for a senior undergraduate research project to be performed under the direction of a faculty advisor. This requirement provides invaluable experience in writing proposals and reports, gathering, analyzing and evaluating data, and delivering scientific talks. In addition, a Departmental Honors Program and a combined B.S./M.S. Program are available.

Requirements for the Major

Requirements for the Geology Major, Professional Track

The geology curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of industry, graduate school, and government. For the B.S. degree, the students are required to complete the departmental requirements (49 credits) and the supporting requirements (23/24 credits) in addition to the CORE (general education) Program requirements. The department requires that to receive a degree in Geology, students must have a grade of C or better in the required Geology Courses, and an average of C or better in the Supporting Courses.

Courses required for the B.S. in Geology are listed below, Some courses require field trips for which the students are expected to pay for room (if required) and board. Field camp is taken during the summer at institutions other than the University of Maryland, College Park, that offer camps approved by the department.



Credits

CORE Program Requirements* 46




Geology Courses 49
GEOL100/110 Physical Geology and Laboratory, OR 4
GEOL120/110 Environmental Geology and Lab
GEOL102 Historical Geology 4
GEOL322 Mineralogy 4
GEOL340 Geomorphology 4
GEOL341 Structural Geology 4
GEOL342 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4
GEOL393 Technical Writing 3
GEOL394 Research Problems 3
GEOL444 Low-Temperature Geochemistry, OR 4
   GEOL445
High-Temperature Geochemistry
 
GEOL446 Geophysics 3
GEOL451 Groundwater 3
GEOL423 Optical Mineralogy 3
GEOL443 Petrology 4
GEOL490 Field Camp 6




Supporting Courses 23-24
CHEM131/132
Fundamentals of General Chemistry and Lab, OR
 
 CHEM135/136 General Chemistry for Engineers and Laboratory
4
MATH140 Calculus I 4
MATH141 Calculus II 4
PHYS141 General Physics 4

One of the following:  3-4
PHYS142 General Physics, OR
  BIOM301
Introduction to Biometrics
 
GEOL Any of GEOL444, 445, 446 or 472 not already completed to meet the requirements above or any other 300 or 400 level Geology course not listed above.




*Of the normal CORE requirements (46 credit hours), at least 13-14 credits are met by the major requirements in Mathematics, Chemistry, Geology or Physics (Mathematics and the sciences area).

Requirements for the Geology Major, Secondary Education Track

The Secondary Education Track in Geology leads to a B. S. Degree in Geology with special emphasis on course work that helps prepare the student for teaching at the secondary school level. Further coursework and student teaching are required for an education certification. This track also prepares the student for work as a geologist in government or industry, or for further graduate study, although students primarily intending to attend graduate school in Geology are advised to choose the Professional Track. Students seeking professional opportunities in secondary education are urged, also, to consult with advisors in the College of Education.

Relative to the professional Geology track, in the Secondary Education track, there is a reduction of two upper-level Geology requirements, but the addition of two Education courses and the option of an Atmospheric and Oceanic Science or Astronomy course. Further coursework in Education (including student teaching) will be required in order to obtain a Maryland State Teaching Certification. Although Geology is by nature interdisciplinary, it is recommended that students consider taking additional courses in Biology and the philosophy of science in order to add to their educational breadth. The department requires that to receive a degree in Geology, students must have a grade of C or better in the required Geology Courses, and a C average or better in the supporting courses.

   Credits
CORE Program Requirements  46
 Departmental Requirements
 45/47
 Supporting Requirements
 19/20
 Education Requirements
  6

 
  Geology Courses - One of the following:
GEOL100/110 Physical Geology and Laboratory, or
GEOL120/110 Environmental Geology and Lab
GEOL102 Historical Geology 4
GEOL322 Mineralogy 4
GEOL340 Geomorphology 4
GEOL341 Structural Geology 4
GEOL393 Technical Writing 3
GEOL394 Research Problems (Capstone) 3
GEOL443
Petrology
4
GEOL490 Geological Field Camp 6

   Three of the following:
GEOL212
Planetary Geology
GEOL342 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 4
GEOL/
AOSC375
Introduction to the Blue Oceans
 3
GEOL444
Low-Temperature Geochemistry
 4
GEOL445 High Temperature Geochemistry 4
GEOL451 Groundwater 3




Supporting Courses
     One of the following
 
ASTR100
Introduction to Astronomy
3
ASTR101
General Astronomy
4
AOSC200 Weather and Climate  
    One of the following  
CHEM131/132
Fundamentals of General Chemistry and Lab
CHEM135/136 General Chemistry for Engineers and Laboratory 4

  and

MATH140 Calculus I 4
MATH141 Calculus II 4
PHYS141 General Physics 4




Education Courses

6 credits selected from the following:
EDPL210
Historical & Philosophical Perspective on Education
3