Department of Geology (GLY)


David L. White, Interim Chair


Richard N. Abbott, Jr.
Ellen A. Cowan
Steven J. Hageman
Loren A. Raymond
Kristen E. St. John
Fred Webb, Jr.




The fundamental purpose of the Department of Geology is to promote a scientific
understanding of earth systems - an awareness essential to an environmentally
sound and sustainable future for the human race. The specific purposes of the
Department of Geology are:


1. To provide all students with the opportunity to learn about the nature of
   science and basic scientific principles through the study of geology.
2. To introduce students to the many ways in which geology is interwoven into
   the fabric of modern civilization.
3. To provide students with an understanding of the interrelationships of the
   basic parts of Earth Systems.
4. To provide students who seek a career in geology with the sound background 
   for productive work in the profession and in graduate studies.
5. To provide present and future teachers with the knowledge and methods
   necessary for competent instruction in the earth and environmental sciences.
6. To provide members of the public with the opportunity to gain a better
   understanding of the Earth Systems of which they are a part.


All majors in geology require a minimum of 122 semester hours for the degree.
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires a minor. In addition to core curriculum,
major and minor requirements, electives must be taken to meet the total
required minimum hours. Two semester hours of free electives OUTSIDE the major
discipline are required.


A major in geology leading to either the Bachelor of Arts degree or the
Bachelor of Science (non-teaching) degree is appropriate for those students who
intend to pursue graduate studies in Geology. The Bachelor of Science
(non-teaching) degree is recommended for students who seek a career at the
Bachelor degree level. The programs consist of the following, in addition to
general requirements for B.A. and B.S. (non-teaching) degrees in this college
as stated elsewhere in this catalog.




Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geology
Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Geology (non-teaching) must complete a
minimum of 34 semester hours of geology courses above the 1000 level. Required
courses include GLY 2215, 2735, 3150, 3215, 3715, 3800, 4024, 4210, and 4620 or
4703, or both 4501 and 4510, and an approved six semester hour geology summer
field course. In addition, students must complete the following cognate
courses: MAT 1110, 1120; CHE 1101, 1110, 1102, 1120; PHY 1150 and 1151.
Additional courses include another course in mathematics or computer science,
six semester hours of a foreign language at the intermediate or higher level,
and enough courses (12-20 s.h.) to satisfy requirements in a minor.


A candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree may count NOT more than a total of
40 hours above core curriculum requirements in geology.


During the senior year, the B.A. in Geology student must take and achieve a
satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination covering theoretical and
practical aspects of areas of geology. Students who are unsuccessful on any
portion or all of the examination may retake the appropriate portion(s) up to
two additional times before graduation.




Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology
Students pursuing the B.S. degree in Geology (non-teaching) must complete a
minimum of 34 semester hours of geology courses above the 1000 level. Required
courses include GLY 2215, 2735, 3150, 3215, 3715, 3800, 4024, 4210, and 4620 or
4703, or both 4501 and 4510, and an approved six semester hour geology summer
field course. In addition, students must complete the following cognate
courses: MAT 1110, 1120; CHE 1101, 1110, 1102, 1120; PHY 1150 and 1151.
Additional courses include six semester hours of statistics, or eight semester
hours of advisor-approved computer science or computing courses. The degree
also requires at least eight semester hours of appropriate non-geology courses
that must be approved by the department advisor.


During the senior year, the B.S. in Geology student must take and achieve a
satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination covering theoretical and
practical aspects of areas of geology. Students who are unsuccessful on any
portion or all of the examination may retake the appropriate portion(s) up to
two additional times before graduation.




A major in Geology leading to the Bachelor of Science (non-teaching) degree
with an Environmental Geology concentration will provide a background for
students who seek a career or graduate work in which they apply geological
principles to the solution of environmental problems. This 122 semester hour
degree consists of a minimum of 35 semester hours of geology courses, and
supporting courses in biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, physics,
social sciences, and business. Required courses include: GLY 1101 (or 1510),
1102 (or 1511), 2215, 2735, 3150, 3703, 4620, 4703; six semester hours of
electives to be selected from GLY 3215, 3333, 3480, 3715, and 3800; and also
the required courses, MAT 1110; BIO 1110; CS 1440 and a three s.h. advisor-
approved, computer-intensive course; CHE 1101, 1110 and 1102, 1120; PHY 1103;
ECO 2030; LAW 2150; GHY 3100 and 4820; PS 2130; STT 2810; either GHY 2310 and
3812 or FIN 3010 and MGT 3010; and three hours of non-geology environmental
electives. General requirements for the B.S. (non-teaching) degree in this
college, as stated elsewhere in this catalog, must also be met.


During the senior year, the B.S. in Geology with an Environmental Geology
concentration student must take and achieve a satisfactory score on a
comprehensive examination covering theoretical and practical aspects of areas
of geology. Students who are unsuccessful on any portion or all of the
examination may retake the appropriate portion(s) up to two additional times
before graduation.




A major in Geology leading to the B.S. degree and teacher licensure requires
GLY 1101 (or 1510), 1102 (or 1511), 1103, 2215, 3333, 3480, three semester
hours of geology electives, and three semester hours of GLY 3520 (one hour each
of instructional assistance in GLY 1101, 1102 and 1103). Also required are GHY
3100; BIO 1110 or 1101-1102; AST 1001 and 1002; MAT 1110; at least 12 semester
hours selected from CHE 1101, 1110 and 1102, 1120; PHY 1103 and 1104; and GS
4403; RE 4630 (minimum grade of "C" required in GS 4403 and RE 4630). This
program also provides an endorsement in physical science. In order to obtain a
secondary science endorsement, a total of at least 12 semester hours must be
taken in either physics or chemistry or biology. Each additional science
endorsement requires at least 12 semester hours of course work in a specific
science area. For information on necessary professional education requirements
for secondary education licensures, see the Department of Curriculum and
Instruction.


During the senior year, the B.S. in Geology Teaching Licensure degree student
must take the Praxis II subject area exam: Earth/Space Science (#0570) portion.
The score should be reported to Appalachian State University.




A minor in Geology will consist of 17 semester hours of geology, including
GLY 1101 and 1102 or GLY 1080 and 1090, in addition, GLY 2215 is required, plus
six semester hours of additional geology courses at the 2000-level or above
(excluding GLY 3520).




COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN GEOLOGY (GSG, GLY)
This catalog reflects only the fall and spring semester courses. Courses
offered in summer terms can be found in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.
(For a description of the course abbreviations used in the following list of
courses, see the index for abbreviations.)