Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Geosciences, B.S.: Concentration in Geophysics with a Minor in Mathematics


About the Geosciences Program


Geoscience is a diverse field which focuses on the study of the Earth and other planets and how these systems evolve through time. Geoscientists apply principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to understand the evolution of earth history. Geoscientists are employed in energy, engineering, and environmental companies; state and federal agencies; and in education, law, and business. The undergraduate program offers a B.A. in geosciences – geology concentration – and three concentrations in the B.S. degree: geology, geophysics, and environmental geology. Capacity in upper-division GEOL, GPH, and GCH courses may be capped due to limited departmental resources. The residency requirement for the major is 12 hours.

Communication Literacy Plan. Geoscience graduates are expected to be able to communicate with their peers and with the general public in a variety of ways. In particular, they should be capable of written communication in a scientific format, oral communication, both to peers and to informed laypersons, and illustration of data and concepts through various graphical formats. Courses in the Communication Literacy Plan for the B.S. and B.A. in Geosciences are GEOL 2101 GEOL 3401 , GEOL 3402 , GEOL 4201 GEOL 4312 , and GPH 3310 

About the B.S. in Geosciences


The geosciences program leading to the B.S. degree provides graduates with an excellent foundation for acceptance to graduate programs in the geosciences and for many careers as a professional geoscientist. Students completing the B.S. degree will have the knowledge, tools, and technical skills necessary to understand and address global needs for energy, water, and natural resources, while working to protect the Earth environment. Students pursuing a B.S. in Geosciences are required to maintain a TTU GPA of 2.5 to remain in the program. Students earning a cumulative TTU GPA less than 2.5 will be given a one-semester probationary period allowing them to improve their GPA. Internal transfers are required to have a TTU GPA of 2.5 to declare into the B.S. in Geosciences program. Students are required to earn at least a C in all major, minor, and adjunct courses. Successful completion of adjunct courses with a C or better is required before upper-division geoscience courses may be taken. Field work is a requirement for the B.S. degree. If this is a concern, the B.A. should be considered.

 

Geophysics Concentration


The geophysics concentration allows students to prepare for employment as a professional geophysicist or enter a graduate program in geophysics, atmospheric sciences, or related areas. The geophysics concentration requires a minor in mathematics.

Recommended Sample Curriculum


First Year


Fall


Total: 13

Spring


Total: 15

Second Year


Fall


Total: 16

Total: 15

Third Year


Fall


Total: 16

Spring


Total: 15

Fourth Year


Fall


Total: 15

Spring


Total: 15

Total Hours: 120


Multicultural Requirement


Select from Arts and Sciences General Degree Requirements . Students have the option of choosing a Creative Arts or a Social and Behavioral Sciences course that also satisfies the Multicultural requirement.

Foreign Language


A student must complete 3 hours at the sophomore level or above in a single language. The prerequisite for all sophomore language courses is credit for the freshman level. This credit can be determined through a credit by examination. The score attained on the exam will determine whether the student is placed in a second-year course, a 5-hour review course, or in some cases the first or second semester of a beginning (first-year) language course. See Arts and Sciences General Degree Requirements  for further explanation.

English Literature


Students have the option of choosing an English literature course that also fulfills the 3-hour Language, Philosophy, & Culture requirement.

Geosciences Jr./Sr., and STEM Elective


Students will select major electives from a list of approved electives in geosciences and STEM fields.