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Geology Department
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REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GEOLOGY MAJOR

A student majoring in Geology must pass the following Geology courses:

  • 130 – Introductory Geology or 140 – Physical Geology

  • 201 – Mineralogy

  • 202 – Introduction to Petrology

  • 260 – Surface Processes and Geomorphology

  • 305 – Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

  • 308 – Introductory Geophysics

  • 315 – Introduction to Structural Geology

  • Three additional units at the 200, 300, or 400 level

    • All majors must also pass the following:

  • PC 141– Introductory Physics I or PC 241 – Introductory Classical Physics I

  • CH 107 – General Chemistry I

  • MA 117 or BY 220 or EV228 – Probability and Statistics

  • MA 126 – Calculus I

Quaternary Rock Distribution in Colorado

Map showing Distribution of Pennsylvanian and Permian Colorado

Source, Colorado Geological Survey

Independent Studies (207 and 307) and Research Topics (405) may NOT be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Majors are strongly encouraged to take:
• GY210 – Fundamental geological methods and Rocky Mountains evolution
• GY345 – Regional Studies in Geology (senior capstone)
• GY400 – Senior Seminar in Geology

Geology majors, and especially those intending to go on to graduate school in geology, are strongly urged to take additional mathematics and science courses, to take GY 400 Senior Seminar in Geology, and to attend a summer field camp. Geology majors wishing to pursue graduate work or a career in environmental geology should include GY 250 Studies in Geology: Hydrology in their course work and should consider taking additional course work in Environmental Science, Mathematics, Chemistry (e.g. CH108 General Chemistry II; CH 250, 251 Organic Chemistry), and Biology.

AP credit may not be counted towards the outside science requirements for the Geology major. Students with AP credit or who have tested out of any of the above courses in PC, CH, or MH must take the next higher course in the department's sequence.


Approved by Geology faculty in October 2007.


The Department awards Distinction in Geology to majors who successfully complete an original research project and meet additional academic criteria.

Requirements for Distinctions in Geology (revised December 2007)

1. Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.2 for courses in the major (including required non-geology sciences).

2. One additional course in the natural sciences, selected in consultation with and approved by the student's advisor at or by the time of Block 7 pre-registration in the junior year. The additional course may be taken at any time prior to graduation, but it is recommended that students fulfill the requirement prior to or in the first semester of the senior year.

3. Talk with one or more faculty members about proposed work during junior year to formulate research project plans for the following summer and academic year.

4. Early in senior year, prepare a distinctions research proposal and submit it to Department for approval. Proposals are read by all Geology faculty members. The Department will decide whether proposed research has the potential to be a successful distinctions project, and worthy proposals will be accepted. Proposal guidelines are available from the faculty advisor or Geology staff assistant.

5. Enroll for 1 or 2 blocks of GY 405: Research Topics in Geology, and carry out thesis-related research during that time.

6. Submit a senior thesis based on the original research and present the research as a talk or poster at Geology Day. Each thesis is read and commented on by the research advisor and one additional faculty member. The final version of the thesis must be approved by both readers.

7. Complete all of the Geology Major requirements.

CONTACT US!

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY, COLORADO COLLEGE, 14 E. CACHE LA POUDRE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903
PHONE: 719-389-6621, FAX: 719-389-6910 geology@coloradocollege.edu



Questions or Comments: webmaster@coloradocollege.edu; Copyright 2007-2009 Colorado College

updated on 03/27/2008
 
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