DEPARTMENT CHAIR
David Bowman
DEPARTMENT OFFICE
McCarthy Hall 254
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Minor in Geology
Master of Science in Geology
Emphasis in Geochemistry
(under Master of Science in Chemistry)
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
http://geology.fullerton.edu
FACULTY
Phillip A. Armstrong, Nicole Bonuso, David Bowman, Brandon Browne, Galen R. Carlson, Diane Clemens-Knott, Matthew E. Kirby, Tara Kneeshaw, Jeffrey Knott, W. Richard Laton, John H. Foster, Brady Rhodes, Adam D. Woods
ADVISERS
Geology students must be advised before or immediately upon entering the major in order to design an efficient course progression that will meet their objectives. While enrolled, students must meet with an adviser each semester prior to registration for the following semester. The adviser will assist in scheduling courses, selecting courses and solving problems should any arise. To be advised, students should contact the department office for available advisers. Special advisers are available for: Geochemistry Emphasis, M.S. in Chemistry (Diane Clemens-Knott); Earth Science Education (Galen Carlson).
INTRODUCTION
Geological Sciences is the study of Earth through time, including its physical nature, chemical composition and dynamics, as well as its origin and evolution. In addition to the quest for understanding the way Earth works and its relation to the solar system, geological scientists are involved in the search for energy, mineral and water resources, the evaluation and remediation of environmental hazards, and the prevention and/or prediction of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, coastal erosion and floods. About 60 percent of all geological scientists are employed by private industry, primarily by engineering, environmental, petroleum and mining companies. Others are employed by government agencies, educational institutions and research centers.
Faculty expertise spans much of the breadth of the Earth Sciences and that breadth is reflected in the curriculum. Faculty research focuses on aspects of Earth’s recent history and the record of past surface environments. Research specialties, including seismology, active tectonics, Quaternary geology, geomorphology, hydrology, engineering geology, volcanism, sedimentation, environmental geology and climate change reflect this focus. Each undergraduate and graduate student is required to work one-on-one with a faculty member to complete a research project. Thus, through the combination of coursework and thesis research, CSUF graduates obtain both breadth and specialization in the geological sciences.
The B.S. and M.S. requirements are designed to help students develop an appreciation and understanding of Earth, as well as prepare them for: (1) employment in industry or government; (2) teaching at the elementary, high school and community college level; and (3) further graduate studies in the geological sciences. The B.S. core is firmly rooted in field-based instruction and culminates in a summer field course; the M.S. core focuses on original research, analyzing primary literature and writing research proposals. Over thirty 300-, 400- and 500-level electives are offered on a regular schedule, enabling students to design individual study plans that satisfy their personal educational goals.
Evening Program
Most graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening (with weekend field trips). Consult the department for details.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY
Of the 120 units required for graduation, a minimum of 48 are in geological sciences, 30 in related fields and 39 in general education courses. The remaining 3 undesignated units are selected to meet the particular needs of each student. To qualify for the B.S. degree, students must have a “C” (2.0) or better in all geological sciences courses applied towards the 48-unit requirement; in addition, students must have a 2.0 average in required courses in related fields. Proficiency in English composition is required.
Undergraduate Thesis (3 units)
In this capstone experience, majors work one-on-one with a faculty adviser on a research project that encompasses all phases of the scientific process, beginning with defining a hypothesis in a written research proposal, collecting and analyzing appropriate data, and writing a report. Students are encouraged to begin research during their junior year. The presentation of undergraduate theses at professional meetings and/or in peer-reviewed literature is strongly encouraged. The Undergraduate Thesis (Geological Sciences 498) satisfies the university’s upper-division writing requirement.
Minimum Course Requirements for the Major
Geological Sciences 101 Physical Geology (3)
OR Geological Sciences 110T Topics in Earth Science (4)
OR Geological Sciences 140 Earth’s Atmosphere and Oceans (3)
Geological Sciences 101L Physical Geology Lab (1)
Geological Sciences 201 Earth History (3)
Geological Sciences 303A Mineralogy and Introduction to Petrology (4)
Geological Sciences 303B Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4)
Geological Sciences 321 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
Geological Sciences 335 Hydrology and Surface Processes (3)
Geological Sciences 360 Structural Geology (4)
Geological Sciences 380 Geologic Field Techniques (3)
Geological Sciences 456 Geophysics (3)
OR Geological Sciences 406 Geochemistry (3)
Geological Sciences 481A Geology Field Camp I (4)
Geological Sciences 498 Undergraduate Thesis (1-3)
Upper-Division Geological Sciences Electives (8-9 units)
The department offers more than thirty 300-, 400- and 500-level electives that may be applied to the Geology B.S., assuming prerequisites are met. Students choose electives to explore fields of interest within the geosciences and to develop strengths necessary for their chosen undergraduate research projects and/or post-graduate plans. Electives should be selected in consultation with an adviser. No more than 3 units from any combination of Geological Sciences 493, 495, 496L and 499L can be counted toward meeting this eight- to nine-unit requirement.
Note: Geological Sciences 310T is not accepted as credit toward meeting requirements for the major.
Related Fields (30 units minimum)
Geoscientists address an extremely wide variety of issues and their scientific strengths vary accordingly. For example, environmental geology requires strength in chemistry and statistics; seismology requires knowledge of physics, math and computer science; and paleontology requires strength in biology and statistics. The flexible organization of the related field’s requirements enables students and their advisers to select a package of courses that best supports the student in their educational and professional endeavors. At least one of the related field’s tracks must include a second-semester lab course. If the selected related field’s courses total less than 30 units, additional units must be taken from other science-math-engineering departments (see list below). Courses not included on the list must be approved in writing by an undergraduate adviser.
Biology 101 Elements of Biology (3)
OR Biology 171 Evolution and Biodiversity (5)
OR a life science course from another institution that is
acceptable to CSUF and demonstrates treatment of
whole-organism biology and concepts of evolution and ecology.
Chemistry 120A and 120B General Chemistry (5,5)
OR Chemistry 120A General Chemistry (5)
AND Chemistry 125 General Chemistry for Engineers (3)
Mathematics 150A and 150B Calculus (4,4)
OR Mathematics 130 A Short Course in Calculus (4)
AND EITHER Mathematics 337 Introduction to
Experimental Design and Statistics in the Laboratory Sciences (3)
OR Mathematics 338 Statistics Applied to Natural Sciences (4)
Physics 225, 225L Fundamental Physics - Mechanics (3,1)
AND Physics 226 Fundamental Physics - Electricity &
Magnetism (3)
OR Physics 211, 211L, 212 Elementary Physics (3,1,3), with consent of adviser.
One additional semester course selected with approval of adviser from courses such as the following:
Biology 172, 210, 300, 319
Chemistry 301A, 315, 325, 361A
Computer Science 241
EGCE 301, 324, 436, 441
Geography 481, 485
Mathematics 250A, 250B
Physics 227, 227L, 300, 310, 320, 330
Science- or engineering-based transferable extension certificate courses from other universities.
Undesignated Units (0-3 units)
These are to be taken in geological sciences, related fields and/or career-supporting fields, with adviser approval.
General Education (39 additional units required)
Twelve General Education units (Category III.A.) are embedded in the Related Fields requirements for the Geology B.S. The remaining 39 units are selected by the student.
See University catalog and consult your adviser for proper course selection.
MINOR IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
A minimum of 20 units in geological sciences courses is required for the minor, of which at least 12 must be upper division and at least six of these 12 must be taken in residence. Up to three units of Geological Sciences 310T may be applied. Prospective minors should make an appointment with a department adviser in order to select courses that most closely match their educational goals. Prospective teachers should include courses in physical geology, Earth history, hydrology and surface processes, oceanography, mineralogy, petrology, Earth Science for Science Teachers (Geological Sciences 420).
CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
The Bachelor’s Degree in Geology may be effectively combined with subject matter studies necessary for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in science. Science teachers are in great demand, and candidates may qualify for scholarships and paid teaching internships while completing their credential. Undergraduates are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers in Teaching (657-278-7130, www.fullerton.edu/cct) and the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307, http://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied) for early advisement and to plan efficient course selections for general education, the major and credential program coursework. Postbaccalaureate and graduate students should contact the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307, http://nsm.fullerton.edu/scied). Additional information is found under Science Education Programs in the University Catalog as well as at http://mast.wikispaces.com.
GRADUATE EMPHASIS IN GEOCHEMISTRY
The Geochemistry Emphasis is offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department of Geological Sciences. Contact the graduate program adviser in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for information regarding the Chemistry M.S. requirements, and the Department of Geological Sciences regarding the selection of appropriate graduate electives.
GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES COURSES
For all courses, prerequisites may be waived if the instructor is satisfied that the student is qualified to take the course.
Geological Sciences 101, 101L, 102, 105 and 201 are offered each semester. The department offers Geological Sciences 303A, 321 and 380 each fall and Geological Sciences 303B, 335 and 360 each spring. Geological Sciences 481A is offered each summer and the remaining courses are offered on a three- to four-semester rotation. A schedule of projected class offerings is available from the department.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY
The program is based on the assumption that every geologist must have a thorough knowledge of fundamental geologic principles and that this knowledge must be rooted in field- and laboratory-based experiences. No matter how graduating students may choose to apply this knowledge, the sound geologic basis provided by the master of science degree will enable them to meet new intellectual challenges in their future professional or academic careers. The program is sufficiently flexible to meet a student’s interest in the application of geology to the solution of environmental, hydrogeologic or engineering geologic problems facing our society.
The program is designed to prepare students for: (a) employment in all fields of geology; (b) teaching at the elementary, secondary and community college levels; and/or (c) doctoral study in the geosciences or related fields.
Admission Requirements
An applicant must meet the university requirements for admission, which include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a grade-point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted (see catalog section on Graduate Admissions for complete statement and procedures). In addition, acceptance into this program in a classified standing is contingent upon the following:
Students with limited subject or grade deficiencies may be considered for conditional acceptance into the program if they meet all other departmental and university requirements. Conditionally classified graduate standing may be removed upon completion of adviser- and graduate-committee-approved postgraduate courses in geology, mathematics, chemistry or physics, with grades of “B” (3.0) or better.
Students with a degree in a related field and/or substantial subject deficiencies are encouraged to apply. Such applicants may be considered for conditional acceptance if they meet all other departmental and university requirements. Such a student may later qualify for classified standing by completing all courses recommended by the Department Graduate Committee and by maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average in geology and in related science and mathematics courses.
Application Deadlines
Financial aid (teaching and research assistantships) are ordinarily awarded only to fall semester applicants. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must have their application received by February 15 for admission to the following fall semester.
The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1 for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester (see http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections.
Classified Standing
Students should achieve classified graduate standing as soon as they are eligible, since no more than nine units of graduate work taken before classification can be included on the study plan for the degree (see below). Students may apply for classified standing when they; (1) have met all university and departmental admission requirements; and (2) have filed a study plan approved by the adviser, the Department Graduate Committee and the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.
Students must meet the Graduate Level Writing Requirement as described in this catalog under “Master’s Degree Requirements.” Students will meet this requirement by taking Geological Sciences 501, Research Methods in Geology.
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to candidacy is attained by applying for graduation and receiving a recommendation by the Department Graduate Committee.
STUDY PLAN
A study plan must contain a minimum of 30 units and be approved by the Graduate Adviser. At least 21 units must be at the graduate level; a maximum of nine units may be 400 level. A minimum grade point average for courses satisfying the study plan is 3.0. The study plan must consist of the following:
Required Courses (9-12 units)
Geological Sciences 500 Advanced Concepts in Geology (3)
Geological Sciences 501 Research Methods in Geology (1)
Geological Sciences 590 Graduate Seminar (1, 1) – must be taken
twice for one unit each time
Geological Sciences 598 Thesis (1-3) – must be taken for a total of
at least three, but nor more than six units
A public, oral defense of the thesis is required.
Focus and Breadth Courses (18-21 units)
Focus Geology Courses: Graduate adviser-approved 400- or 500-level geology courses. A maximum of three units of Geological Sciences 599 (Independent Study) and a maximum of three units of Geological Sciences 593 (Directed Study) may be taken. Course selection will be dependent on the student’s academic objectives and selected in consultation with the student’s thesis adviser.
Breadth Courses in Related Fields: A maximum of six units of graduate adviser-approved 400- or 500-level breadth courses offered by departments other than Geological Sciences. Courses may be taken from departments or programs such as, but not restricted to, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Civil and Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Studies. Course selection will be dependent on the student’s academic objectives and selected in consultation with the student’s thesis adviser.
COURSES IN GEOLOGY
Courses are designated as GEOL in the class schedule.
