Department of Earth
Sciences
Geology
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(W) - Denotes a writing-intensive course.
* - The Geology degree requires a minimum of 8 hours of Physics
(algebra/ trigonometry-based; PH 114 and PH 115), or
calculus-based ; PH 201 and PH 202).
** - Students can elect to substitute GY 305 for PH 115/PH 202.
*** - Students can elect to substitute GY 420 for MA 126.
Those intending on pursuing graduate study are encouraged to
complete a full year of calculus and physics at the University
of South Alabama.
Additional Information for Geology Majors:
A program in related sciences has been approved as an acceptable
minor for Geology majors, but it is recommended that the student
seek a traditional minor. Students seeking a minor in related
sciences should be aware of the University requirement that all
students must complete 32 resident hours in 300/400 level
courses.
A Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be
obtained simultaneously with a BS in Geology if the student
elects to minor in Geography. Contact the Department of Earth
Sciences for information concerning the GIS certification
program, the related sciences minor, Geology elective courses,
and Departmental Honors opportunities in Geology. An overall GPA
2.0 is required for the major.
Recommended Course Sequence for Geology Majors:
| Academic Year 1 (Freshman) |
| Fall Semester
|
Spring
Semester |
| Course |
Hours |
Course |
Hours |
| CAS 100 |
2 |
GY 112 |
3 |
| GY 111 |
3 |
GY112L |
1 |
| GY 111L |
1 |
CH132 |
4 |
| CH 131 |
4 |
MA 125 |
4 |
| Social Science 1 |
3 |
EH 102 |
3 |
| EH 101 |
3 |
|
|
| Total Hours: |
16 |
Total Hours: |
15 |
| |
| Academic Year 2 (Sophomore) |
| Fall Semester
|
Spring
Semester |
| Course |
Hours |
Course |
Hours |
| GY 301 |
3 |
GY 303 |
4 |
| GY 302 |
4 |
GY 304 |
3 |
| MA 126 or GY 420 |
4 |
PH 114/201 |
5/4 |
| Humanities 1 |
3 |
Social Science 2 |
3 |
| Total Hours: |
14 |
Total Hours: |
14/15 |
| |
| Academic Year 3 (Junior) |
| Fall Semester
|
Spring
Semester |
| Course |
Hours |
Course |
Hours |
| PH 115/202 or GY 305 |
5/4 |
GY 402 |
3 |
| GY 401 |
3 |
GY 403 |
4 |
| Humanities 2 |
3 |
Humanities 3 |
3 |
| Foreign Lang. 1 |
3 |
Foreign Lang. 2 |
3 |
| Minor 1 |
3/4 |
CA 110 |
3 |
| Total Hours: |
16-18 |
Total Hours: |
15 |
| Summer
Semester |
|
| Course |
Hours |
|
|
| GY 480 |
6 |
|
|
| Total Hours: |
6 |
|
|
| |
| Academic Year 4 (Senior) |
| Fall Semester
|
Spring
Semester |
| Course |
Hours |
Course |
Hours |
| GY Elective 1 |
3/4 |
GY Elective 2 |
3/4 |
| Minor 2 |
3/4 |
Minor 5 |
3/4 |
| Minor 3 |
3/4 |
Minor 6 |
3/4 |
| Minor 4 |
3/4 |
Social Science 3 |
3 |
| Fine Art |
3 |
Social Science 4 |
3 |
| Total Hours: |
15-19 |
Total Hours: |
15-18 |
Major Hours: 44-46
Minor Hours: 8-24
Total hours 128 to 138 (Assumes student will pass placement
tests for CH 131, MA 125 and CIS 150)
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A student must take a minimum of 20 semester hours of Geology
courses including:
- GY 111
- GY 111L
- GY 112
- GY 112L
A minimum of two courses from the following list is also
required:
- GY 301 (Geomorphology)
- GY 302 (Crystallography and Mineralogy)
- GY 304 (Stratigraphy)
- GY 401 (Paleontology)
- GY 425 (Hydrology)
Any GY courses numbered 300 and higher may be used to satisfy
the remainder of the 20 hour requirement.
A geology faculty advisor is recommended for planning an
appropriate minor curriculum past the initial introductory
sequence.
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Although the Department of Earth Sciences has no graduate degree
program, courses are offered at the graduate level for students
enrolled in Marine Sciences and others who need such course
work. Current graduate courses (500-level) are listed below.
Contact the Department for scheduling.
- GY 512 - Geomorphology
- GY 520 - Geostatistics
- GY 531 - Optical Mineralogy and Crystallography
- GY 533 - X-Ray Analytical Methods
- GY 543 - Applications in Remote Sensing
- GY 544 - Sedimentary Geology
- GY 571 - Micropaleontology 1: Planktonics
- GY 572 - Micropalenotology 2: Nannofossils
- GY 573 - Marine Paleoecology
- GY 575 - Hydrology
- GY 576 - Contaminant Hydrology
- GY 590 - Special Topics
- GY 592 - Seminar
- GY 594 - Directed Research
- MAS 603 - Geological Oceanography - Taught through the Department
of Marine Sciences
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