Geological Sciences

The Major: Students with interests in the history of the earth, the materials that compose the earth, the physical processes that shape the earth, the resources the earth provides for society, and the impact of society on the environment are encouraged to consider majoring in the Department of Geological Sciences. The department offers two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science [BS] in Geology and a Bachelor of Arts [BA] degree in Environmental Geology.

Bachelor of Arts: This major is designed for students interested in the geologic processes (e.g., water flow, shoreline processes, groundwater contamination, etc.) that shape our natural environment and influence the sustainability of our environment. The major is designed for those who desire training in the geological sciences in preparation for advanced studies or careers in fields such as teaching earth science at the secondary school level, environmental law, business, or other socio-environmental areas.

1. All students pursuing the BA in Environmental Geology must complete the following courses:

• GLY 2100C or 3105C (4 hrs) Historical Geology
• GLY 3163 or 4155C (3 hrs) Geology of Florida or Geology of National Parks
• GLY 3074 (3 hrs) Oceans and Climate
• GLY 3882 (3 hrs) Hydrology and Human Affairs
• GLY 3603C (4 hrs) Paleontology
• GLY 4552 (4 hrs) Sedimentary Geology
• GLY 4750L (1 hr) Field Methods
• Six hours of additional GLY courses at the 3000-level or above
• ENC 3254 or 2210 (3 hrs)

1. Students should also complete appropriate courses in supporting sciences.

• MAC 1114 and 1140 (5 hrs); or MAC 1147 (4 hrs) and STA 2023 (3 hrs). Higher-level classes with prefixes MAA, MAC, or STA may be substituted to meet the minimum 5 credit hour requirement.
• CHM 1020 and 1021 (6 hrs) or higher level chemistry
• CGS 2531 (3 hrs)
• Others selected from AST, SOS, PHY, CHM, GEO, APB, and ESE

Bachelor of Science: To meet the minimum requirements for a B.S. in geology, the student must satisfy all college and university graduation requirements as well as the following department course requirements.

• Credit in the following core courses or their equivalents: GLY 2010C or 2030C, GLY 2100C or 3105C, and GLY 3200C, 3603C, 4310C, 4400C, 4552C, 4750L and 4790.
• Two courses at the 4000 level or above and approved by the department (6 hour minimum).
• One year of general chemistry (CHM 2045, 2045L, 2046, 2046L) or (CHM 2050, 2045L, 2051, 2046L).
• One year of general physics (PHY 2048, 2049, 2048L, 2049L) or (PHY 2004, 2004L, 2005, 2005L) or (PHY 2053, 2053L, 2054, 2054L).
• Mathematics (MAC 2311, 2312, preferred or MAC 2233, 2234).
• ENC 3254 (preferred) or 2210.

Specific courses selected among the alternatives given will depend upon the student’s primary geologic interest. Students should contact the undergraduate coordinator in 220 Williamson Hall as early as possible.

Combined BS/MS Degree Program: This program has been approved. Contact the department for information.

Honors: To graduate cum laude, a student must have a 3.5 overall junior-/senior-level average. To graduate magna cum laude (high honors), students may complete two semesters of GLY 4905 Individual Work for three credits each semester with a grade of B or higher. The student must prepare an abstract and thesis to be approved by the student’s research adviser who recommends the student to the department for magna cum laude (high honors) recognition. The thesis must contain experimental results and discussion. To graduate summa cum laude (highest honors), the student must have an average of 3.7 or higher in all upper-level courses and meet all the requirements listed for high honors.

The Minor: A total of 17 hours of geology are required. A minimum of nine hours must be completed at UF and nine hours must be at the 3000 level or higher. No more than one hour of independent study will be accepted. All courses must be at a grade of C or better and all students should consult the undergraduate adviser.

The following core courses are required: GLY 2010C or 2030C, GLY 2100C or 3105C, 3200C and 3603C. Additional hours may be selected from: GLY 3784L, 3882C, 4155, 4310C, 4400C, 4552 and 5827.

General Education: Courses designated with a (P) count toward the physical science requirement.

Geology (BS)

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

• Complete 1 of 6 tracking courses CHM2045 and CHM 2045L, MAC 2233 or MAC 2311, PHY 2004 and PHY 2004L, PHY 2005 and PHY 2005L, CHM 2046 and CHM 2046L, and either GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C.

• Complete 2 additional tracking courses - 1 must be GLY2010C or GLY2030C

• Complete 2 additional tracking courses with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work

• Complete all 6 tracking courses (plus labs) with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

• Complete 1 GLY course with at least a C and maintain 2.0 UF GPA

• Complete 1 additional GLY course with a C and maintain a 2.5 critical tracking GPA

• Complete GLY 2010C or GLY 2030C course or equivalent and maintain a 2.5 critical tracking GPA

• Complete one additional GLY course. Maintain 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work