Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences

Geological Sciences

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You are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor, as well as any other faculty members concerning your course of study at UAA.

Academic Advising

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The curriculum of the UAA Geological Sciences program is designed to produce graduates who:

  • Have a basic knowledge of the principles related to the geological sciences with either an emphasis in environmental geology or general geology.
  • Have an understanding of how to think scientifically and apply their knowledge to solve geologic problems.
  • Have sufficient competence to obtain employment as an entry-level geologist or environmental geologist, and be able to progress professionally within the discipline and are prepared for advanced study.
  • Have a fundamental understanding of Alaskan geology and environmental problems in Alaska.
  • Are able to communicate their ideas.
  • Are prepared for and understand the need for continued professional development throughout their careers.

In keeping with the objectives, it is expected that graduates of the UAA Geological Sciences program will have:

  • An ability to apply their knowledge of general geology and/or environmental geology.
  • An ability to accept challenges and think through problems until they are solved.
  • An ability to design and conduct projects that include field work, laboratory analyses and interpretation in their area of emphasis.
  • Experience in field geology in Alaska.
  • An ability to communicate effectively.
  • A recognition of the need for, and ability to pursue, lifelong learning.
 
  • B.S. Geological Sciences Requirements
    Admission Requirements Graduation Requirements
    Support Courses
    CHEM A105
    A105L
    General Chemistry I
    and General Chemistry I Laboratory
    4
    CHEM A106
    A106L
    General Chemistry II
    and General Chemistry II Laboratory
    4
    MATH A251Calculus I 14-6
    or MATH A251F F.A.T. Calculus I
    PHYS A123
    A123L
    College Physics I
    and College Physics I Laboratory
    4
    PHYS A124
    A124L
    College Physics II
    and College Physics II Laboratory
    4
    Core Courses
    GEOL A121Physical Geology for Science and Engineering Majors4
    or GEOL A111
    A111L
    Planet Earth
    and Planet Earth Laboratory
    or GEOL A115
    A115L
    Dangerous Earth
    and Dangerous Earth Laboratory
    GEOL A221Journey Through Time4
    GEOL A225Earth Surface Processes3
    GEOL A310Professional Practices in Geology3
    GEOL A315Geological Data Visualization and Analysis3
    GEOL A321Mineralogy4
    GEOL A322 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology4
    GEOL A331Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
    GEOL A335 Structural Geology4
    GEOL A345Hydrogeology3
    GEOL A461 Geochemistry3
    GEOL A476Applied Geophysics3
    Complete 6 credits from the following:6
    GEOL A480
    Geologic Field Methods
    Geology field camp 2
    Electives
    Complete 12 credits from the following:12
    GEOL A320
    Volcanology
    GEOL A333
    Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards
    GEOL A350
    Geomorphology
    GEOL A361
    Earth Resources and Society
    GEOL A436
    Petroleum Geology
    GEOL A437
    Depositional Systems and Dynamic Stratigraphy
    GEOL A441
    Paleoclimatology
    GEOL A444
    The Cryosphere
    GEOL A448
    Structural Geology and Geomechanics
    GEOL A463
    Environmental Geochemistry
    GEOL A465
    Isotope Geochemistry
    GEOL/MBIO A468
    Geomicrobiology
    GEOL A477
    Integrated Subsurface Mapping and Analysis
    GEOL A480
    Geologic Field Methods 3
    GEOL A490
    Advanced Topics in Geology
    GEOL A492
    Geology Seminar
    GEOL A495
    Geology Internship
    GEOL A498
    Student Research
    GEOL A499
    Senior Thesis
    Total80-82
    1

    Additionally, MATH A252 or MATH A252F is highly recommended for students majoring in geological sciences.

    2

    Geology field camps offered through other accredited academic institutions must be approved by the Department of Geological Sciences. Credits must be transferable to UAA from the academic institution that is offering the course and must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.

    3

    GEOL A480 may be applied toward recommended electives if it is not being applied to satisfy core requirements. 

    Environmental Geological Track
    Students wishing to receive a degree with an environmental geological sciences track should complete the above electives requirement with 12 credits from the following courses:12
    GEOL A333
    Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards
    GEOL A350
    Geomorphology
    GEOL A361
    Earth Resources and Society
    GEOL A436
    Petroleum Geology
    GEOL A441
    Paleoclimatology
    GEOL A444
    The Cryosphere
    GEOL A448
    Structural Geology and Geomechanics
    GEOL A463
    Environmental Geochemistry
    GEOL A465
    Isotope Geochemistry
    GEOL A495
    Geology Internship
    Total12

    A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 must be upper-division credits. 

    Honors in Geological Sciences

    The Department of Geological Sciences offers recognition to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the science by awarding them with departmental honors in geological sciences. To graduate with departmental honors, the student must be a declared geological sciences major and meet the following requirements:

    • Satisfy all requirements for a BS in Geological Sciences;
    • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50;
    • Complete 6 credits of GEOL A499, or 3 credits of GEOL A498 and 3 credits of GEOL A499, with a minimum grade of B;
    • Students intending to graduate with departmental honors must notify the departmental honors committee in writing on or before the date they file their Application for Graduation with the Office of the Registrar.
 
Please be sure to review the UAA Baccalaureate Degree Policies in the UAA Catalog.