Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geosciences (B.S.)


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Bulletin/Catalog Year 2017-2018

College of Science and Mathematics

Department of Geosciences

 

Location: McCord Bldg., Room 203
Phone: 931-221-7454
Website: http://www.apsu.edu/geosciences

Description of Major

The Department of Geosciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with four concentrations that prepare students for working in a diversity of Geoscience specialties such as the geological sciences, environmental hazards, geographic information science, and global environment and development. In addition, we also offer minors in Geology, Geography, GIS and Water Resources Management.

The Environmental Hazards concentration examines the causes and impacts of both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Prevention or avoidance, mitigation, public policy, and legislation are studied in detail. Graduates of this concentration are well-prepared to work for local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as private environmental engineering firms.

The Geographic Information Systems concentration develops expertise with geographic information technology: geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing (imaging of the earth from aircraft and satellites). Students in this concentration develop skills in spatial analysis, environmental modeling, and computer programming.

The Global Environment and Development concentration focuses on understanding the evolving international arena through regional and thematic studies of economic interrelationships, geopolitical systems, and various cultural aspects associated with challenges of human society’s interactions with the natural environment.  This concentration prepares graduates for work in positions concerned with political, economic and health issues at the global scale as well as in other fields ranging from foreign service,  geography education,  local, state and federal agencies,  and private sector and  non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  

The Geology concentration encompasses the broad study of materials of the earth and processes that affect them as well as the evolution of life and its impact on earth materials and processes.  Earth processes include volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, and ground and surface water migration.  Geologists utilize their knowledge to identify and assess environmental hazards such as ground and surface water contamination, land surface stability, and volcanic and earthquake activity.   Knowledge of earth processes also helps the geologist understand the formation, occurrence, and extraction of natural resources such as water, oil and gas, and valuable minerals and metals.  Geology is a great field of study for students who enjoy blending the outdoor physical environment with science.  With consultation of a faculty advisor, our program prepares students for jobs in the geological sciences in private industry, state and federal government, and teaching, or for entrance into graduate school in the Geosciences.  Our graduates are successfully employed in the environmental field and in the exploration or production of natural resources.  The Bachelor of Geosciences with a concentration in geology prepares students for state licensure to practice geology in the state of Tennessee.

General Education Core


  Credit Hours
see Common Core 41
University-Wide Freshman Seminar Requirement 1

Major Requirements that Satisfy General Education Core


Total Hours 11


Major Core Requirements


Total Hours 19


Total Hours 11


Total Hours 8


Environmental Hazards


The Environmental Hazards concentration examines the causes and impacts of both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Prevention or avoidance, mitigation, public policy, and legislation are studied in detail. Graduates of this concentration are well-prepared to work for local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as private environmental engineering firms.

Lower Division Courses


Total Hours 4

Total Hours 30

Electives


Group 1-General Eelctives

Total Hours

Total Hours 7

Geographic Information Analysis


The Geographic Information Systems concentration develops expertise with geographic information technology: geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing (imaging of the earth from aircraft and satellites). Students in this concentration develop skills in spatial analysis, environmental modeling, and computer programming.

Lower Division Courses


Total Hours 6

Total Hours 13

Electives


Group 1-General Eelctives

Total Hours 6

Total Hours 12

Group 3-Geosciences

Upper division courses offered through Department of Geosciences: 3000-4999 level of Geography or Geology.

Total Hours 12

Geology


The Geology concentration encompasses the broad study of materials of the earth and processes that affect them as well as the evolution of life and its impact on earth materials and processes.  Earth processes include volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, and ground and surface water migration.  Geologists utilize their knowledge to identify and assess environmental hazards such as ground and surface water contamination, land surface stability, and volcanic and earthquake activity.   Knowledge of earth processes also helps the geologist understand the formation, occurrence, and extraction of natural resources such as water, oil and gas, and valuable minerals and metals.  Geology is a great field of study for students who enjoy blending the outdoor physical environment with science.  With consultation of a faculty advisor, our program prepares students for jobs in the geological sciences in private industry, state and federal government, and teaching, or for entrance into graduate school in the Geosciences.  Our graduates are successfully employed in the environmental field and in the exploration or production of natural resources.  The Bachelor of Geosciences with a concentration in geology prepares students for state licensure to practice geology in the state of Tennessee.

Total Hours 12

Total Hours 27

Total Hours 10

Total Hours 8

Global Environment and Development


Total Program Hours 120


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