For the B.A. or B.S. degree, students must fulfill the basic requirements of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The course requirements within geology are the same for the B.S. and B.A. degrees. All courses in geology that are prerequisites for other courses in the major must be passed with a grade of C or better before proceeding in the sequence. For example, Geosciences 1 is a prerequisite for Geosciences 30.
The department offers two options to majors in geology: general geology and paleontology. Students who choose the Geology major study the structure, composition, and history of the earth and in particular, its crust-the earth's immediate surface and underlying rocks. Geologists examine rocks and minerals in order to formulate and test theories on natural processes affecting the earth and to explore for mineral resources. They may also study fossil remains of animal and plant life and observe the flow of fluids and gases through rocks to determine the ages and rates of change of various parts of the earth's crust, as well as the possibility of oil and gas deposits. Geologists also determine sources of groundwater and possible contamination effects.
All students majoring in geology are normally required to take the core curriculum, common to both options.
Core Curriculum Requirements:
Geosciences 2 and 107 are recommended.
Geosciences 2 and Biology 117 are recommended.
Students who choose the Geophysics major apply the principles and concepts of physics, mathematics, geology, and engineering to the study of the physical characteristics of the earth and other planets. They make measurements of gravity and magnetic fields, seismic waves, temperatures, and natural electric current. Geophysicists study these topics from the standpoint of the physics of solid bodies, gases, and fluids. Some geophysicists are field oriented, some laboratory oriented, some theoretical, and some combine these areas.
All students majoring in geology are normally required to take the following core curriculum:
Geosciences 2, 107 and Physics 40D-4E are recommended.
THE GEOGRAPHY MAJOR
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The Geography Program offers three options for students who have a broad interest in the Earth as the home of people and societies: biogeography; geomorphology; and locational and urban/political analysis. Spatial and temporal variations in physical phenomena and human activities, their interactions, and the processes producing spatial distributions are major concerns of Geography. Geographers study such topics as climate and climatic change; processes in the evolution of landforms; ecology, distribution, and conservation of plant and animal species, the human use of the natural environment, urbanization and processes of urban growth and decline, and the political organization of social systems.
Biogeography Option-Students fulfilling the biogeography option study the distribution, structure, dynamics and conservation of natural communities and ecosystems. Biogeography has foundations both in biological and earth sciences. The biogeography of species is studied for the evolution and dispersal history over long term scales (see paleontology in Geological Sciences). Geographers investigate local to regional distributions in relation to the contemporary environment and impacts by people. Biogeographers also examine management strategies which attempt to protect ecosystem and species diversity by integrating ecosystem management into human-impacted landscapes. Students in this option receive training in ecology, vegetation analysis, resource conservation, and management of natural lands.
Geomorphology Option-Students who choose the geomorphology option study the nature and spatial pattern of landforms in relation to tectonics, and from contemporary physical processes of weathering, erosion and deposition. The ages of land features are evaluated to deduce erosional and depositional histories and their relationship to climatic and tectonic change. Students with an undergraduate degree obtain practical training in the evaluation of natural hazards in relation to land use and planning.
Locational and Urban/Political Analysis Option-Students specializing in the locational and urban/political analysis option will be trained in basic skills necessary to develop an understanding of patterns and processes of urban growth and decline, and the geography of political conflicts at international, national and urban scales. An undergraduate degree in this option provides a theoretical and practical basis for more advanced studies in urban planning, marketing and locational analysis, transportation research and planning, and public administration and education.
For the BA or BS, students must fulfill the basic requirements of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (see general catalog). Requirements in geography courses are the same for the BA and BS degrees. In both lower and upper division courses, the curriculum in geography provides an overview of the Earth Sciences and human geography. Students are also required to take an analytical course series in remote sensing and geographic information systems which have become essential tools in geographic research in both the natural sciences and in urban/regional planning. Students must also develop complementary background in either statistics/computer science, or calculus. Usually by the sophomore year, students must have selected a curriculum option. In each option, students must fulfill required or elective courses from outside the major, and within upper division Geography.
Core Curriculum Requirements:
For more information, contact the Course Curriculum Advisor - Carole Carpenter
(909) 787-3435 or email: carpen@ucrac1.ucr.edu