Geology

Dr. Jonathan Nyquist, Advisor
209 Beury Hall
(215) 204-7484
jonathan.nyquist@temple.edu

Note: Department chairs frequently change at the beginning of the academic year.  Students should contact departments for updated information.

The Department of Geology offers two different undergraduate programs, one leading to the B.S. in Geology and the other leading to the B.A. in Earth Science.

The B.S. program prepares students for immediate entry into a career in geology or for graduate studies. Career opportunities for geologists in industry and government include environmental planning, evaluation of waste disposal sites, groundwater monitoring, and exploration for natural resources. The B.S. program is excellent preparation for graduate study and ultimately for a career in research, teaching, industry, or government.

The B.A. program is not intended for prospective geologists. The B.A. program is suitable for pre-medicine or pre-law students or for students planning to teach earth science in secondary school.

A departmental field trip for undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty will be conducted during the fall semester.

Five-year Master's Program

Five-Year Master’s/Secondary Education Certification Program

This is a combined program between the College of Science and Technology and the College of Education.  For more information, see the following website.

http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/Academic_programs/schools_colleges/ed/intro/generalinfo/ed_generalinfo.shtm#teacher

B.A. in Earth Science

First semester of introductory or general chemistry w/ lab, College Math or Calculus I, and the following Geology courses: C050, W381, and three electives from the following five:  Geology 0201, 0210, 0211, 0212, 0261.  Five additional science electives must be chosen, with no more than three from the same department:  Three courses must be numbered above 0100.  These electives must be taken from the following list:

●Anthropology 0124, 0125, 0248, 0280
●Biology C083, C084, W237, 0241
●Chemistry C062/C064, or C072/C074, 0121/0123, 0122/0124
●Geology 0310
●Geography & Urban Studies 0254, 0257, 0260, 0262
●Physics C087 or 0121, C088 or 0122

Fall Courses Recommended for Advancing Students in the Major for the B.A. in Earth Science

B.S. in Geology

Calculus I, II; general chemistry I, II; calculus-based physics I, II; Geology C050, 0201, 0211, 0212, 0261, 0301, W302.  In addition, Field Geology (Geology 0352) taken in the summer; and three upper level science or mathematics electives, at least one of which must be in a discipline other than geology.

Summer term: B.S. Geology 4-6

Fall Courses Recommended for Students Advancing in the Major for the B.S. in Geology. 10-12

Spring Courses Recommended for Students Advancing in the Major for the B.S. in Geology. 7-8

Minor

Students interested in acquiring a basic knowledge of Geology but not wishing to major in Geology may pursue a minor in Geology by successfully completing the following courses:
●Geology C050 with laboratory
●Chemistry C071/C073 or Chemistry C061/C063
●Mathematics C055 or Mathematics C085
●Geology electives above the 0100 level, with a total of 16 or more credits, chosen with the approval of the Undergraduate Geology Advisor.

Senior Research Project

Students whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.25 at the end of the first semester of their junior year are eligible to undertake a senior research project. In the second semester of their junior year, students must select a faculty research advisor and, with the advisor, prepare a written research proposal. After the research advisor and the Chair of the Undergraduate Committee of the Department approve the proposal, the student may register for three hours of Geology 0293-0294 (Individual Study Program), in the summer and each semester of the senior year (up to a total of nine hours), to carry out the research project. Normally, the project will involve field or laboratory work in the summer between the junior and senior years and lead to presentation of the results at a departmental seminar at the end of the senior year.

Distinction in Major

To graduate with Distinction in Major, students are required to achieve a 3.5 GPA for the aggregate of courses required for the B.S. in Geology or the B.A. in Earth Science.

(Note: The University is reviewing all school and college, major, and GPA requirements above 2.0.  Please refer to the electronic Bulletin for up-to-date information at www.temple.edu/bulletin/academic_programs.)