2000-2001 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs

Geology

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Geology and Geophysics
(907) 474-7565

Degrees: B.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.S.: 130 credits; M.S.: 30 credits; M.A.T. 36 credits; Ph.D.: open

Graduates in geology have broad backgrounds in the earth sciences and firm foundations in mathematics, physics and chemistry. There are many concentrations available in the geological sciences, and the suggested curricula are intended to be flexible enough to allow sudents to pursue their own emphases in the junior and senior years.

The bachelor's degree prepares students for positions with industry or government or for graduate studies. The M.S. program is tailored to the special research and study interest of the student.

There are about 40 professional geoscientists in residence on campus and graduate students normally participate in the ongoing research of these professionals. Teaching and research assistantships are available to graduate students in many of these areas.

Undergraduate Program

Major

Geology -- B.S. Degree

Concentrations: General Geology, Economic Geology and Petroleum Geology

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements.
  3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
    CHEM 105X -- General Chemistry** (4 credits)
    CHEM 106X -- General Chemistry** (4 credits)
    GEOS 101X -- The Dynamic Earth (4 credits)
    GEOS 112X -- The History of Earth and Life (4 credits)
    GEOS 213 -- Mineralogy (4 credits)
    GEOS 214 -- Petrology and Petrography (4 credits)
    GEOS 225 -- Field and Computer Methods in Geology (2 credits)
    GEOS 304 -- Geomorphology (3 credits)
    GEOS 314 -- Structural Geology (4 credits)
    GEOS 315W -- Paleobiology and Paleontology (4 credits)
    GEOS 322 -- Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4 credits)
    GEOS 351W -- Field Geology*** (6 credits)
    GEOS 430 -- Statistics and Data Analysis in Geology (3 credits)
    MATH 200X -- Calculus** (4 credits)
    MATH 201X -- Calculus** (4 credits)
    PHYS 103X -- College Physics (4)**
         and PHYS 104X -- College Physics (4)**
         or PHYS 211X -- General Physics (4)**
         and PHYS 212X -- General Physics (4)** (8 credits)
    STAT 200 -- Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)**
         or STAT 300 -- Statistics (3)** (3 credits)
    Electives open
  4. Complete 1 of the following concentrations:*

    General Geology

    1. Complete 8 credits from the following:
      GEOS 401 -- Invertebrate Paleontology (3 credits)
      GEOS 408 -- Photogeology (2 credits)
      GEOS 416 -- Applied Geophysics (3 credits)
      GEOS 417 -- Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
      GEOS 418 -- Basic Geophysics (3 credits)
      GEOS 421 -- Sedimentology (3 credits)
      GEOS 422 -- Geoscience Applications of Remote Sensing (3 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (130 credits)

    Economic Geology

    1. Complete the following:
      GEOS 417 -- Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
      GEOS 432 -- Geology of Mineral Resources (3)
           or GEOS 432L -- Geology of Mineral Resources Laboratory (2) (2-3 credits)
    2. Complete 1 of the following:
      GE 365 -- Geological Materials Engineering (3 credits)
      MIN 202 -- Mine Surveying (3 credits)
      MIN 304 -- Introduction to Metallurgy (3 credits)
      MIN 313 -- Introduction to Mineral Preparation (3 credits)
      MIN 407W -- Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management (3 credits)
      MIN 408O -- Mineral Valuation and Economics (3 credits)
    3. Complete 1 of the following:
      GEOS 416 -- Applied Geophysics (3 credits)
      GEOS 418 -- Basic Geophysics (3 credits)
    4. Minimum credits required (130 credits)

    Petroleum Geology

    1. Complete the following:
      PETE 205 -- Introduction to Petroleum Drilling and Productions (3 credits)
      PETE 302 -- Well Logging (3 credits)
      GEOS 416 -- Applied Geophysics (3 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (130 credits)

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each GEOS, GE, MIN and PETE course.

** Satisfies core curriculum or B.S. degree requirements but not both.

*** GEOS 351 is offered at UAF when there is sufficient demand. In years when GEOS 351 is not offered (decision made early in fall semester), students are required to take a 6-credit field geology class at another institution. The Department of Geology and Geophysics will offer financial assistance to geology majors when GEOS 351 is not offered to attend an approved field camp at another institution. Amount of the assistance depends on the number of students involved, but will typically be about $500. The geology and geophysics undergraduate advisor will assist students in placement in a field geology class and will inform the department head about students requiring financial aid.

Studies in geophysics: Students interested in pursuing a program in geophysics are encouraged to pursue a major in geology which includes GEOS 418 and 416 with a minor in physics. Students should consult with the geology department regarding constructing a plan of study.

Minor

  1. Complete the following:
    GEOS 101X -- The Dynamic Earth (4 credits)
    Approved GEOS electives (12 credits)
  2. Minimum credits required (16 credits)

Graduate Program

Geology -- M.S. Degree

Concentrations: General Geology; Economic Geology; Petroleum Geology; Quaternary Geology; and Volcanology

  1. Complete the following admission requirements:
    1. Complete a background at least to the level of that listed for the relevant B.S. concentration in geology and geophysics.
    2. Complete any background deficiencies concurrently with M.S. degree.
  2. Complete the general university requirements.
  3. Complete the master's degree requirements.
    1. Complete at least 15 credits at the 600-level that are not thesis or research.
    2. Complete and pass a written or oral comprehensive examination.
  4. Complete the following thesis requirements:
    1. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
    2. Complete a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
  5. Complete 1 of the following concentrations:

    General Geology

    1. Complete a background equivalent to the B.S. degree with a general geology concentration.
    2. Complete the following:
      GEOS 417 -- Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
      GEOS 418 -- Basic Geophysics (3 credits)
      GEOS 675 -- Presentation Techniques in the Geosciences (2 credits)
    3. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Economic Geology

    1. Complete 9 credits in applied geoscience and at least 1 course in mineral economics or engineering management, as approved by the graduate advisory committee.
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Petroleum Geology

    1. Complete 12 credits at the 600-level from courses in the following disciplines: structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, geophysics, petroleum engineering, as approved by the graduate advisory committee.
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Quaternary Geology

    1. Complete 9 credits in quaternary geology and at least 1 course in another area of quaternary studies, as approved by the graduate advisory committee.
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Volcanology

    1. Complete GEOS 606 and 10 credits in volcanology-related courses, as approved by the graduate advisory committee.
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

Geology -- Ph.D. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the coursework requirements for the appropriate M.S. concentration.
  3. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
  4. As part of the Ph.D. degree requirements, complete the following:
    1. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination.
    2. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
    3. Complete a research program as arranged with the graduate advisory committee.
    4. Complete 18 credits of thesis, write a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
  5. Minimum credits required open

Note: In addition to courses listed under the geology and geophysics program, students should check the course listings under the School of Mineral Engineering and the marine science program.

Note: In addition to the facilities available directly through the instructional program, UAF has active research laboratories in the fields of seismology, volcanology, paleomagnetism, isotope geochronology, glaciology and ice physics in the Geophysical Institute (see Geophysical Institute under Research). These laboratories can frequently provide topics for M.S. and Ph.D. theses. Other laboratories are also available in other divisions on campus, as listed under Research.