Program Student Learning Outcomes

The curriculum of the UAA Geological Sciences program is designed to produce graduates who:

• Have a basic knowledge of the principles related to the geological sciences with either an emphasis in environmental geology or general geology.
• Have an understanding of how to think scientifically and apply their knowledge to solve geologic problems.
• Have sufficient competence to obtain employment as an entry-level geologist or environmental geologist, and be able to progress professionally within the discipline and are prepared for advanced study.
• Have a fundamental understanding of Alaskan geology and environmental problems in Alaska.
• Are able to communicate their ideas.
• Are prepared for and understand the need for continued professional development throughout their careers.

In keeping with the objectives, it is expected that graduates of the UAA Geological Sciences program will have:

• An ability to apply their knowledge of general geology and/or environmental geology.
• An ability to accept challenges and think through problems until they are solved.
• An ability to design and conduct projects that include field work, laboratory analyses and interpretation in their area of emphasis.
• Experience in field geology in Alaska.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• A recognition of the need for, and ability to pursue, lifelong learning.

• B.S. Geological Sciences Requirements
  Admission Requirements

  • Complete the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.

  Graduation Requirements

  • Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
  • Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
  • Students who audit a Geology (GEOL) course or who are unable to earn a minimum grade of C may repeat the course. All prerequisites for GEOL courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C.
  • Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:

  Course List

  Code	Title	Credits
  Support Courses
  CHEM A105 & A105L	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
  CHEM A106 & A106L	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
  MATH A251	Calculus I 1	4-6
  or MATH A251F	F.A.T. Calculus I
  PHYS A123 & A123L	College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory	4
  PHYS A124 & A124L	College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory	4
  Core Courses
  GEOL A121	Physical Geology for Science and Engineering Majors	4
  or GEOL A111 & A111L	Planet Earth and Planet Earth Laboratory
  or GEOL A115 & A115L	Dangerous Earth and Dangerous Earth Laboratory
  GEOL A221	Journey Through Time	4
  GEOL A225	Earth Surface Processes	3
  GEOL A310	Professional Practices in Geology	3
  GEOL A315	Geological Data Visualization and Analysis	3
  GEOL A321	Mineralogy	4
  GEOL A322	Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology	4
  GEOL A331	Sedimentology and Stratigraphy	4
  GEOL A335	Structural Geology	4
  GEOL A345	Hydrogeology	3
  GEOL A461	Geochemistry	3
  GEOL A476	Applied Geophysics	3
  Complete 6 credits from the following:		6
  GEOL A480	Geologic Field Methods
  GEOL A481	Alaskan Field Investigations
  or GEOL A482	Geologic Field Investigations
  Geology field camp 2
  Electives
  Complete 12 credits from the following:		12
  GEOL A320	Volcanology
  GEOL A325	Geology of Ore Deposits
  GEOL A333	Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards
  GEOL A350	Geomorphology
  GEOL A361	Earth Resources and Society
  GEOL A381	Kenai Peninsula Field Studies
  GEOL A382	Geologic Field Studies
  GEOL A426	Mineral Resources
  GEOL A436	Petroleum Geology
  GEOL A437	Depositional Systems and Dynamic Stratigraphy
  GEOL A438	Advanced Sedimentary Petrology
  GEOL A441	Paleoclimatology
  GEOL A444	The Cryosphere
  GEOL A445	Geothermal Energy
  GEOL A448	Structural Geology and Geomechanics
  GEOL A454	Glacial and Quaternary Geology
  GEOL A458	Geology of Alaska
  GEOL A463	Environmental Geochemistry
  GEOL A465	Isotope Geochemistry
  GEOL/MBIO A468	Geomicrobiology
  GEOL A477	Integrated Subsurface Mapping and Analysis
  GEOL A480	Geologic Field Methods 3
  GEOL A481	Alaskan Field Investigations 3
  GEOL A482	Geologic Field Investigations
  GEOL A490	Advanced Topics in Geology
  GEOL A492	Geology Seminar
  GEOL A495	Geology Internship
  GEOL A498	Student Research
  GEOL A499	Senior Thesis
  Total		80-82

  ¹

  Additionally, MATH A252 or MATH A252F is highly recommended for students majoring in geological sciences.

  ²

  Geology field camps offered through other accredited academic institutions must be approved by the Department of Geological Sciences. Credits must be transferable to UAA from the academic institution that is offering the course and must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.

  ³

  GEOL A480 and GEOL A481 may be applied toward recommended electives if they are not being applied to satisfy core requirements. 

  Course List

  Code	Title	Credits
  Environmental Geological Track
  Students wishing to receive a degree with an environmental geological sciences track should complete the above electives requirement with 12 credits from the following courses:		12
  GEOL A333	Earthquakes and Seismic Hazards
  GEOL A350	Geomorphology
  GEOL A361	Earth Resources and Society
  GEOL A436	Petroleum Geology
  GEOL A441	Paleoclimatology
  GEOL A444	The Cryosphere
  GEOL A445	Geothermal Energy
  GEOL A448	Structural Geology and Geomechanics
  GEOL A454	Glacial and Quaternary Geology
  GEOL A458	Geology of Alaska
  GEOL A463	Environmental Geochemistry
  GEOL A465	Isotope Geochemistry
  GEOL A495	Geology Internship
  Total		12

  A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 must be upper-division credits. 

  Honors in Geological Sciences

  The Department of Geological Sciences offers recognition to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the science by awarding them with departmental honors in geological sciences. To graduate with departmental honors, the student must be a declared geological sciences major and meet the following requirements:

  • Satisfy all requirements for a BS in Geological Sciences;
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50;
  • Complete 6 credits of GEOL A499, or 3 credits of GEOL A498 and 3 credits of GEOL A499, with a minimum grade of B;
  • Students intending to graduate with departmental honors must notify the departmental honors committee in writing on or before the date they file their Application for Graduation with the Office of the Registrar.