Geology (GEOL)College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences1115 Geology Building, 301-405-4365 www.geol.umd.edu Chair: M. Brown Professors: P. Candela, D. Lathrop (Prof & Dir), W. McDonough, R. Rudnick, R. Walker, A. Wylie (Distinguished Scholar Teacher) Associate Professors: M. Evans (Assoc Prof), 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, T. Holtz (Senior Lecturer), J. Merck (Senior Lecturer) Affiliate Professors: A. Busalacchi (Prof & Dir), G. Helz (Res Prof), B. James (Prof & Dir, Affiliate Prof) Affiliate Associate Professors: R. Murtugudde (Affil Assoc Prof, Prof), N. Zeng (Aff Asst Prof, Assoc Prof) Adjunct Professors: Y. Fei (Adjunct Prof), 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. 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.
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.
Other Requirements for the Major Combined B.S./M.S. in Geology The Combined B.S./M.S. program is designed to permit a superior student to earn both the Bachelor's and the Master's degrees following five years of study. The combined program is an integrated experience of undergraduate and graduate work. Nine credits of graduate courses taken as an undergraduate can be counted towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. The master's thesis may be a continuation of work begun as part of the undergraduate senior thesis. Acceptance into the Combined B.S./M.S. normally would occur after the end of the sophomore year. The minimum requirements for acceptance into this program are similar to those for the Geology Honors program and are: 1. An overall GPA of at least 3.0 at the end of the sophomore year and a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses required for the major. 2. At least three letters of recommendation. 3. An essay or statement of purpose. 4. An interview with the undergraduate Honors Director and the Graduate Director. The Combined B.S./M.S. program allows 9 credits of graduate courses (600-level or above) to be counted towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. A grade of "B" or better must be earned in each of these courses. Continued progress in the program requires completion of the undergraduate curriculum, a GPA of 3.5 or better in GEOL 393 and GEOL 394, and maintenance of a 3.0 overall GPA and a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses required for the major. The requirements for admission into the graduate program must also be met, including receiving acceptable scores in the General GRE exam, usually taken during the fall term of the senior year. Requirements for the Minor An undergraduate Minor recognizes concentrated study in a designated field in the College Of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. The award of a Minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation. These minors may be earned by students not majoring in Geology and are administered by the Geology Undergraduate Studies Director. A grade of "C" or better must be earned in all courses required for the minor. See www.geol.umd.edu for more information.
All Geology minors are an appropriate disciplinary combination with Astronomy, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics majors within CMPS. The minors are also appropriate for majors outside the college with appropriate matches including, but not limited to: Geography/Remote Sensing (Surficial Geology)Engineering and Material Sciences (Earth Material Properties) Evolutionary Biology and Physical Anthropology (Earth History) Biology, Biological Diversity, and Ecology (Earth History, Hydrology) Advising The Geology Undergraduate Studies Director serves as the advisor for the geology majors, 1119 Geology Building, 301-405-4379. Students who have been away more than two years may find that due to curriculum changes the courses they have taken may no longer be adequate preparation for the courses required to complete the major. Students in this situation must meet with the Undergraduate Studies Director to make appropriate plans. Honors Program Admission to the Program is by invitation of the Honors Committee, normally at the end of the sophomore year and normally will be extended to students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses required for the major. Graduation with Honors normally requires completion of the curriculum, a GPA of 3.5 or better in GEOL 393H and GEOL 394H, and maintenance of a 3.0 overall GPA and a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses required for the major. Maintenance of a GPA of 3.5 or above and a grade of A in both GEOL 393H and GEOL 394H will earn the distinction of Graduation with High Honors.The curriculum for Honors in Geology follows the University Honors Program Track I: Thesis Option with a 15 credit minimum. 1. The requirement for upper division Honors courses will be met by a minimum of 9 hours as follows: a. GEOL 489H Recent Advances in Geology (3 credit hours), and 2. The research and thesis requirement will be met by completion of GEOL 393H and GEOL 394H with a GPA of 3.5 or better (6 credit hours).ii) Honors Option project in a three or four credit hour upper-level course from the offerings in the Geology Department. The Honors Option Proposal must be approved by the Departmental Honors Committee, the professor teaching the course and the University Honors Program. A proposal must be approved by the Department and submitted to the University Honors Program by the 10th day of class in the semester in which the course will be taken and the project completed. Student Societies and Professional Organizations Sigma Gamma Epsilon, National Honor Society for Earth Sciences, and the Geology Club. Awards and Recognition Bengt Svenonius Memorial Scholarship for graduating senior with the highest overall scholastic average; Fernow Memorial Faculty Field Camp Awards for geology majors to attend geology summer camp; Sigma Gamma Epsilon Award for a senior in geology for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and service to the Society; and Best Senior Research Award. |
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