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The undergraduate curricula in geology emphasize the development
of sound scientific skills, including the ability to think,
observe, analyze, classify, describe, and interpret data, and
the application of these skills to the study of rocks, minerals,
fossils, structures, landforms and other geologic phenomena.
The curricula also emphasize the practical aspects of geology,
including its applications to petroleum and mineral exploration,
environmental management, siting of man-made structures and
other related commercial activities.
The Department of Geology and Geophysics
offers two undergraduate programs in geology, the Bachelor
of Arts and the Bachelor
of Science, in addition to the graduate degrees of Master of
Science and Doctor of Philosophy (see the Texas
A&M University Graduate Catalog). Both curricula
are suitable for pursuit as terminal degree programs as well
as preparation for more advanced study. However, the B.S. program
is more rigorous with respect to required mathematics and physics
and is designed for students seeking careers as geologists.
The B.A. program is more appropriate for those wishing to combine
geology with other disciplines. Details of the two programs
are given below along with some specialty "tracks" available
in both.
Some courses in geology require field trips. Students are
required to pay expenses incurred on such trips.
Environmental Geology Track. The
environmental geology track is a recommended group of electives
that provides training
for geology students
to work on some of society's most pressing problems including
groundwater contamination and remediation, nonpoint-source
pollution, water resources, and geologic hazards such as
earthquakes, landslides, flooding, volcanism and surface
deformation. The geology curriculum with an emphasis in
environmental geology is designed to provide a strong foundation
in geology coupled with specialized training in environmental
and hydrologic topics. Students completing this track receive
a B.S. degree in Geology from the Department of Geology
and Geophysics and are prepared to go on to graduate school
for an advanced geoscience degree. Typical careers for
environmental geoscientists include careers with environmental
and engineering consulting companies and other industrial
corporations, governmental agencies or academics.
Specific classes recommended for the geology and technical
electives include CVEN 365 Introduction to Geotechnical
Engineering, GEOG 331 Geomorphology, GEOG 390 Principles
of GIS, GEOL 410 Hydrogeology, GEOL 420 Environmental Geology,
GEOL 440 Engineering Geology, GEOS 410 Global Change; or
approved classes in other departments including Soil Science,
Chemistry, Physics and Civil Engineering.
Petroleum Geology Track. The petroleum geology track is
intended to prepare an undergraduate student for graduate study
in this
discipline,
as well as provide training for the students who may be
interested in service jobs in the oil and gas industry
between their undergraduate and graduate careers. Many
of the geology undergraduate classes prepare students for
this track. In addition, students may select technical
electives in petroleum engineering and other disciplines.
Specific classes recommended include GEOL 400 Reservoir
Description, GEOL 404 Geology of Petroleum, PETE 311 Reservoir
Petrophysics, PETE 321 Formation Evaluation, PETE 324 Well
Performance, PETE 402 Petroleum Property Management. Qualified
students may also take related graduate courses during
the senior year. Such classes include GEOL 619 Petroleum
Geology, GEOL 622 Stratigraphy, GEOL 623 Carbonate Rocks,
GEOL 624 Carbonate Reservoirs, GEOL 668 Clastic Sedimentology
and Sedimentary Petrology, and GEOP 629 Seismic Interpretation.
GeoPACT Program. The B.A. in Geology and the Geoscience
Program for Accelerated Certification for Teaching (GeoPACT)
is an innovative program to meet the critical shortage
of science teachers in the State of Texas. In accordance
with the Texas A&M System Regents' Initiative, GeoPACT
seeks to provide quality, trained classroom teachers for
our state's middle and high schools.
The Geology B.A. and GeoPACT program utilizes a combination
of traditional courses in earth science, education, continuing
education and a year-long internship to train science teachers
in an accelerated format. In as little as one semester,
a qualified student with an appropriate science background
may complete all classroom work necessary for certification
and then embark on a one year, paid, field-based teaching
internship experience offered through the Region IV (Houston)
TEA Office.
The Geology B.A. and GeoPACT program will meet the requirements
for teacher certification in grade 4-8 science and grade
9-12 secondary composite science. The latter provides certification
to teach earth science, environmental science, biology,
chemistry and physics in grades 9-12. Electives must be
chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Bachelor of Arts
The B.A. program in Geology provides the student
a broad foundation in geology with a specialization
in at least one other field through the minor program.
The minor chosen by the student requires a minimum
of 15 credit hours in one discipline. The B.A. program
offers additional opportunities for the student to
diversify through geology and technical electives.
The B.A. degree offers more flexibility than the
B.S. program in terms of allowing a program of study
which combines geology with subject areas such as geophysics,
history, journalism, political science, mathematics,
biology, business, computer science, education, medicine,
physics or other areas. In addition, the mathematics
and physics requirements are less rigorous than in
the B.S. degree. The B.A. program meets the needs of
many students who plan to use geology as a basis for
careers in law (environmental, oil, gas, etc.), medicine,
technical writing, teaching at pre-college level, environmental
journalism, resource related sales and marketing, to
name only a few possibilities. With a judicious selection
of electives, the B.A. degree may conceivably be a
starting point for further graduate education in geology
or geophysics. However, the B.S. is far more appropriate
for this goal.
Because of the great flexibility of this program,
it is important to speak to a departmental advisor
as soon as practicable. In any case, electives must
be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
FRESHMAN YEAR
| First Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
|
Second Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
| CHEM 101 Fund. of Chemistry I |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
CHEM 102 Fund. of Chemistry II |
(3-3) |
4 |
| ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 106 Historical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 104 Physical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
MATH 131 Math. Concepts--Calculus |
(3-0) |
3 |
| MATH 166 Topics in Cont. Math. II |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
14 |
|
|
|
14 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| GEOL 203 Mineralogy |
(2-6)
|
4
|
|
GEOL 302 Intro. to Petrology |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOP 341 Intro. to Global Geophysics |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 309 Intro. to Geol. Field Methods |
(1-6) |
3 |
| PHYS 201 College Physics |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
PHYS 202 College Physics |
(3-3) |
4 |
| Minor elective |
|
3 |
|
Minor elective |
|
3 |
| * KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
|
* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| ENGL 301 Technical Writing |
(3-0)
|
3
|
|
GEOL 306 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| Geology elective |
|
4 |
|
GEOL 312 Struct. Geology and Tectonics |
(3-3) |
4 |
| Humanities elective |
|
3 |
|
Geology elective |
|
3 |
| Minor elective |
|
3 |
|
Technical elective |
|
3 |
| Technical elective |
|
3 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
16 |
|
|
|
17 |
SUMMER FIELD STUDIES
| GEOL 330 Geologic Field Trips |
Credit 3
|
SENIOR YEAR
| Minor elective |
|
3
|
|
Geology elective |
|
4
|
| U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
|
Minor elective |
|
3 |
| Visual and performing arts elective |
|
3 |
|
Social and behavioral sciences elective |
|
3 |
| Free electives |
|
9 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
18 |
|
Free elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
Bachelor of Science
The first two years of the B.S. program in Geology,
which are identical to the B.S. in Geophysics, provide
students with the basics of geology and geophysics
and the allied fields of chemistry, physics, mathematics
and computer science. The junior and senior years involve
more advanced study in the field of geology, including
the opportunity to concentrate study in specific disciplines
such as petroleum geology and geophysics, environmental
and engineering geology, hydrogeology, and others.
Students are also encouraged to become involved in
research problems with faculty members during their
undergraduate studies, which can be accomplished through
classes in Directed Studies (GEOL 285 and 485).
The B.S. degree is considered the preparatory degree
in the field of geology. Those students desiring employment
in industry are encouraged to pursue an M.S. degree.
Students planning a research or university teaching
career should pursue a Ph.D. degree.
FRESHMAN YEAR
| First Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
|
Second Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
| CHEM 101 Fund. of Chemistry I |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
CHEM 102 Fund. of Chemistry II |
(3-3) |
4 |
| ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 106 Historical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 104 Physical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
MATH 152 Engineering Math. II |
(3-2) |
4 |
| MATH 151 Engineering Math. I |
(3-2) |
4 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| GEOL 203 Mineralogy |
(2-6)
|
4
|
|
GEOL 302 Introduction to Petrology |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOP 341 Intro. to Global Geophysics |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 309 Intro. to Geol. Field Methods |
(1-6) |
3 |
| MATH 251 Engineering Math. III |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
MATH 308 Differential Equations |
(3-0) |
3 |
| PHYS 218 Mechanics |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
PHYS 219 Electricity |
(3-3) |
4 |
| * KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
|
* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity |
|
1 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| ENGL 301 Technical Writing |
(3-0)
|
3
|
|
GEOL 306 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOL 304 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
GEOL 312 Struct. Geology & Tectonics |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 305 Paleobiology |
(2-3) |
3 |
|
GEOL 451 Geochemistry |
(3-0) |
3 |
| Computer science |
|
3 |
|
Humanities elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
13 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
SUMMER FIELD STUDIES
| GEOL 300 Field Geology |
Credit 6 |
SENIOR YEAR
| Geology elective |
|
3
|
|
Geology elective |
|
3
|
| Technical elective |
|
3 |
|
History or political science elective |
|
3 |
| U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
|
Social science elective |
|
3 |
| Visual and performing arts elective |
|
3 |
|
Technical electives |
|
6 |
| Free electives |
|
5 |
|
|
|
15 |
| |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
Engineering Geology Option
The Engineering Geology option provides training
for geology students to work in areas that are at the
intersection between geology and engineering. Engineering
geologists work areas such as groundwater remediation
and resource evaluation, mitigation of geologic hazards
including earthquakes, landslides, flooding, volcanism,
and surface deformation, siting critical facilities,
and geotechnical evaluation of soils, sediments and
rocks for civil engineering projects. The option curriculum
is designed to provide a strong foundation in geology
coupled with specialized training in environmental
and engineering topics. Students completing this option
receive a B.S. degree in Geology from the Department
of Geology and Geophysics.
FRESHMAN YEAR
| First Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
|
Second Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
| CHEM 101 Fund. of Chemistry I |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
CHEM 102 Fund. of Chemistry II |
(3-3) |
4 |
| ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 106 Historical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 104 Physical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
MATH 152 Engineering Math. II |
(3-2) |
4 |
| MATH 151 Engineering Math. I |
(3-2) |
4 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| GEOL 203 Mineralogy |
(2-6)
|
4
|
|
GEOL 302 Introduction to Petrology |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOP 341 Intro. to Global Geophysics |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 309 Intro. to Geol. Field Methods |
(1-6) |
3 |
| MATH 251 Engineering Math. III |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
MATH 308 Differential Equations |
(3-0) |
3 |
| PHYS 218 Mechanics |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
PHYS 219 Electricity |
(3-3) |
4 |
| * KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
|
* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity |
|
1 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| ENGL 301 Technical Writing |
(3-0)
|
3
|
|
GEOL 306 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOL 304 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
GEOL 312 Struct. Geology and Tectonics |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 305 Paleobiology |
(2-3) |
3 |
|
Social and behavioral sciences elective |
|
3 |
| Computer science |
|
3 |
|
Technical electives |
|
6 |
| Technical elective |
|
3 |
|
|
|
17 |
| |
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
SUMMER FIELD STUDIES
| GEOL 300 Field Geology |
Credit 6 |
SENIOR YEAR
| GEOL 410 Hydrogeology |
(3-0)
|
3
|
|
GEOL 451 Geochemistry |
(3-0)
|
3
|
| GEOL 440 Engineering Geology |
(2-3) |
3 |
|
Humanities elective |
|
3 |
| Technical electives |
|
6 |
|
Technical elective |
|
3 |
| U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
|
U.S. history or political science electives |
|
6 |
| Visual and performing arts elective |
|
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
| |
|
18 |
|
|
|
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