Geology

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• Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Geology
  
  
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Geology
  
  
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Geology (Geoscience Education option) ­ see Science Education
  
  
• Minor in Geology

For information on the master of science degree program, see Environmental Systems.

Department Chair
Andre Lehre, Ph.D.

Department of Geology
Founders Hall 7
(707) 826-3931

The Program

Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

• an understanding of the scientific method and the consequences of human activities on the environment and earth resources
• an understanding of geologic time and evolution; the ability to describe geologic features and processes in a field setting
• an understanding of geologic classification systems; competence in the construction and interpretation of geologic maps; and techniques for measuring earth geologic processes
• effective communication of scientific ideas and results verbally and orally, and competence in the manipulation of data
• the ability to gain employment and/or admission to graduate studies in the earth sciences..

The BS degree in geology emphasizes independent research at the senior level and is recommended for students who plan to enter graduate school.

The BA degree in geology is for students seeking:

• preparation to qualify them for employment in private industry or government agencies;
• a liberal arts degree in geology;
• a broad understanding of the earth sciences.

Humboldt’s natural setting offers many field opportuni­ties for instruction and research. Students work on projects directly with faculty, who encourage their involvement.

At Humboldt State you will also be able to use extensive research tools including petrographic microscopes, an x-ray diffractometer, a high-pressure and temperature experimental petrology lab, geophysical exploration equipment and a real-time kinematic GPS unit.

Career opportunities: field geologist, geostatistician, hydrogeologist, reservoir engineer, map editor, petroleum geologist, geophysicist, park naturalist, teacher, mining geologist, engineering geologist, marine geologist, paleontologic curator, research geologist, lab researcher, remote sensing analyst, hydrologist.

Preparation

High school students should take courses in mathematics, statistics, computer programming, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students should prepare to write effectively and speak precisely. Competence in a language other than English is desirable.

Requirements for the Major

LOWER DIVISION

GEOL 109 General Geology
CHEM 109 General Chemistry
CHEM 110 General Chemistry
MATH 109 Calculus I
MATH 110 Calculus II

One of the following two series:

• PHYX 106 College Physics: Mechanics & Heat
  PHYX 107 College Physics: Electromagnetism & Modern Physics or
  
  
• PHYX 109 General Physics I: Mechanics
  PHYX 110 General Physics II: Electricity, Heat
  

One of the following:
BIOM 109 Introductory Biometrics
MATH 210 Calculus III
STAT 108 Elementary Statistics

UPPER DIVISION

GEOL 310 Mineralogy & Optical Crystallography
GEOL 311 Petrography
GEOL 320 Invertebrate Paleontology
GEOL 322 Stratigraphy & Sedimentation
GEOL 330 Structural Geology
GEOL 350 General Geomorphology
GEOL 470 Field Methods
GEOL 471 Field Mapping Techniques
GEOL 472 Extended Field Mapping
GEOL 473 Geologic Report Writing
GEOL 485 Seminar
GEOL 490, 491, 492 Senior Thesis (BS degree only)

Five units of approved upper division geology electives, including at least one of the following:
GEOL 414 Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL 415 Sedimentary Petrology
GEOL 422 Paleoecology
GEOL 425 Crustal Evolution & Tectonics
GEOL 440 Economic Geology
GEOL 445 Geochemistry
GEOL 457 Engineering Geology
GEOL 460 Solid Earth Geophysics
GEOL 550 Fluvial Processes
GEOL 551 Hillslope Processes
GEOL 553 Quaternary Stratigraphy
GEOL 555 Quaternary Tectonics
GEOL 556 Hydrogeology
GEOL 558 Geomorphology of Soils
GEOL 561 Applied Geophysics

Requirements for the Minor

GEOL 109 General Geology or
GEOL 108 The Dynamic Earth

Fourteen additional units of approved geology courses, of which 11 units must be upper division