Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied Geology Major, B.S.


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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences   

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The Applied Geology program is located on the Auraria campus in downtown Denver. The mission of the Applied Geology program is to prepare students for entry into geoscience careers or graduate programs by providing access to critical content knowledge, applicable skills, and modes of thought. The objective of the program is to integrate a strong background in geology with applicable hands-on training through laboratory and fieldwork and interpretive data assessment.

Geologists play an important role in identifying problems and finding solutions to an increased demand for energy and mineral resources, expansion of human activities into geologically hazardous areas, and other impacts to land, water, and air. Intimately involved in understanding geological processes of Earth, geologists are trained to investigate mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, oceans, minerals, water, ancient life, oil, gas, precious metals, or even space. The Applied Geology degree (B.S.) combines coursework from multiple departments with a core of geology courses. This degree offers opportunities for national and international fieldwork, meaningful undergraduate research projects, and industry related internships.

Goals of the Program 

  • To build student’s knowledge base in geoscientific concepts, principles, and processes; 
  • To prepare and train students in field and laboratory technologies and techniques used in geoscientific investigation and interpretation; 
  • To develop competency in written and oral scientific communication and presentation; 
  • To construct habits of critical thinking and creative problem solving that lead to informed decision making, life-long learning, and leadership based on current scientific knowledge; and 
  • To prepare students for successful entry into career or graduate programs.

Student Outcomes


Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain geoscientific concepts, principles, and processes. 
  2. Apply appropriate field and laboratory geoscientific technologies and techniques. 
  3. Demonstrate competency in scientific communication. 
  4. Evaluate and interpret geoscientific information and data.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 
  • A minor is not required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements  for degree completion.  

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion. 
  • Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Required Prerequisite Courses: 20 credits


All students must complete the following required prerequisite courses or equivalents. These courses can also count towards the General Studies Requirements.

Recommended Prerequisite Course: 4 credits


Elective Courses: 19 credits


CHE and PHY Electives


Chemistry and Physics Electives: Students are required to select at least 5 hours from the list below.

Applied Geology Electives


Students are required to select at least 14 additional elective credits. A minimum of 11 credits with a GEL prefix must be selected. While the following is a list of suitable recommendations, alternative electives may be approved in consultation with a faculty advisor. Each student must have a department advisor for consultation regarding course work and program planning.

Senior Experience Course: 4 credits


Students are required to select at least 4 hours of senior experience credit.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirement 33 credits3
Multicultural Requirement 0-3 credits
Additional Requirements 20 credits
Major Requirements 38 credits
Elective Courses 19 credits
Senior Experience 4 credits
Unrestricted Electives 3-15 credits
Total for the Applied Geology Major, B.S. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

1Satisfies the General Studies Quantitative Literacy Requirement
2Satisfies the General Studies Natural and Physical Sciences Requirement

3 9 credits may count for general studies from other requirements
*Course requires additional prerequisites or corequisites

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