An Undergraduate Minor recognizes concentrated study in a designated field in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. The awarding of a Minor will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.

The following minors may be earned within the Geology Department by students not majoring in Geology (unless otherwise indicated). A grade of "C-" or better must be earned in all courses required for the minor, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average must be earned for in all courses required for the minor. Although we suggest minors that may be broadly compatible for students of particular majors, students in any University program may work toward any of the Geology minors. Aspects of Geology minor coursework are negotiable: contact the Undergraduate Director for details.

Earth History Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 102 Historical Geology (4)

Plus three from:

• GEOL 331 Principles of Paleontology (4)
• GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
• GEOL 436 Principles of Biogeochemistry (3)
• GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present (3)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)

Earth Material Properties Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 423 Optical Mineralogy (3)
• GEOL 443 Petrology (4)
• GEOL 445 High Temperature Geochemistry (4)
• GEOL 446 Geophysics (3)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)

Geophysics Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 446 Geophysics (3)
• GEOL 457 Seismology (3)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)
• GEOL 341 Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 472 Tectonics (3)
• GEOL 455 Marine Geophysics (3)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)

Hydrology Minor 

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 322 Mineralogy (4)
• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 436 Principles of Biogeochemistry (3)
• GEOL 444 Low-Temperature Geochemistry (4)
• GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
• GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)

Planetary Sciences Minor 

Administered jointly with the Department of Astronomy. Note: The Planetary Sciences Minor is open to Geology and Astronomy majors.

Requirements listed reflect revisions that became effective during April 2013. For previous requirements follow this link.

Required:

• One of the following:
  • ASTR100 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
  • ASTR101 General Astronomy (4)
  • ASTR120 Introductory Astrophysics - Solar System (3)
• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• One of the following:
  • ASTR330 Solar System Astronomy (3)
  • ASTR430 The Solar System (3)
  • GEOL212 Planetary Geology (3)

Plus three electives from the following. At least one choice must be from Geology and one from Astronomy. At least six credits from the list below and nine credits overall must be at the 300 - 400 level:

• ASTR220 Collisions in Space (3)
• ASTR230 The Science and Fiction of Planetary Systems (3)
• ASTR380 Life in the Universe - Astrobiology (3)
• ASTR498 Special Problems in Astronomy (3)
• GEOL322 Mineralogy (4)
• GEOL340 Geomorphology (4)
• GEOL412 Geology of Terrestrial Planets (3)
• GEOL437 Global Climate Change, Past and Present (3)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)
• Or another appropriate astronomy or geology course approved in advance by the Astronomy or Geology advisor (3-4)

Surficial Geology Minor

Required:

• One of the following:
  • GEOL 100/110 Physical Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
  • GEOL 120/110 Environmental Geology/Physical Geology Lab (4)
• GEOL 123 Causes and Implications of Global Change (3)
• GEOL 340 Geomorphology (4)

Plus two from:

• GEOL 342 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
• GEOL 451 Groundwater (3)
• GEOL 452 Watershed and Wetland Hydrology (3)
• GEOL 331 Principles of Paleontology (4)
• GEOL 499 Special Problems in Geology (3)

For more information, contact John Merck
Undergraduate Studies Director