Earth Science

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Geology and Geophysics
(907) 474-7565
www.uaf.edu/geology/

B.A. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 130 credits

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This program provides broad training in various aspects of earth science. It is especially applicable to those wishing to teach earth science or who are entering a field such as resource management.

Basic course work is designed to meet the National Science Teachers Association requirements for teaching secondary school earth science. Students arrange additional required course work and specialization emphasis in consultation with an undergraduate advisor and a faculty member from the appropriate department. Students wishing to enroll in this degree program should contact the head of the geology and geophysics department.

The earth sciences B.A. degree meets the undergraduate requirements for prospective secondary earth science teachers (grades 7-12).

Major--B.A. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements. (As part of the core curriculum requirements, complete: NRM 303X*, CHEM 103X and 104X or CHEM 105X and 106X or PHYS 103X and 104X).
2. Complete the B.A. degree requirements. (As part of the B.A. degree requirements, complete: PHIL 380 or 382 or 481 for the humanities requirement.)
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   GEOG 339--Maps and Landscape Analysis (4)
        or GEOS 408--Photogeology (2)--2-4 credits
   GEOG 401--Weather and Climate--3 credits
   GEOG 402--Resources and Environment--3 credits
   GEOS 101X--The Dynamic Earth--4 credits
   GEOS 112X--The History of Earth and Life--4 credits
   GEOS 225--Field and Computer Methods In Geology--3 credits
   GEOS 262--Rocks and Minerals--3 credits
   GEOS 304--Geomorphology--3 credits
   GEOS 315W--Paleobiology and Paleontology (4)
        or BIOL 328O--Biology of Marine Organisms (3)--3-4 credits
   GEOS 422--Remote Sensing (3)
        or NRM 338--Introduction to GIS (3)--3 credits
   MSL 111X--The Oceans--4 credits
   NRM 101--Natural Resource Conservation and Policy--3 credits
   PHYS 175X--Introduction to Astronomy--3 credits
4. Complete a specialization emphasis requirement:*
   
   1. Complete an additional approved 9 credits** at the 300-level or above with emphasis in geology, geography, biology, natural resources management or other earth science-related field as approved by the undergraduate advisor.
5. Complete any UAF minor except geology. If appropriate, courses used to satisfy the specialization emphasis requirement can also be applied towards the requirements for a minor.
6. Minimum credits required--130 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
Note: The following courses are recommended to fulfill the upper-division writing and oral intensive requirements (2 "W" courses and 1 "O" course): GEOS 475WO, GEOS 463O, GEOS 315W, GEOG 482WO, NRM 304O, or NRM 380W.
Note: Geography courses taken to meet the B.A. social science requirement may also be used to fulfill the specialization emphasis and (or) minor requirements. GEOG 402, a major requirement, also satisfies the B.A. social science requirement.
Note: In consultation with an undergraduate advisor, students should prepare an undergraduate study plan that includes specific courses to satisfy the major and minor complexes. This should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Note: We strongly recommend that prospective secondary science teachers seek advising from the UAF School of Education early in your undergraduate degree program, so that you can be appropriately advised of the state of Alaska requirements for teacher licensure. You will apply for admission to the UAF School of Education’s post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, a one-year intensive program, during your senior year. The Earth Science B.A. degree requirements will apply to the UAF School of Education during spring 2006 or later for licensure in secondary earth science.