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Geology (BS)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit .

To see more about what you will learn in this program, visit the !

The degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology is offered in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Geological science — or Earth science — is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Knowledge of Earth processes provides a critical framework for the assessment of resources, geologic hazards, and environmental stewardship. Many geologists work in the petroleum or natural gas exploration industry or in the mineral industry. Many other geoscientists find work related to natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides), as geologists on some of the world’s largest engineering projects (dams, tunnels, bridges, tall buildings), in the geothermal and alternative energy sectors, in the remediation of hazardous waste and groundwater pollution control, and in the field of environmental rehabilitation (e.g., stream restoration). Geoscientists work across industries — from Fortune 100 companies to small environmental consulting and law firms, state agencies and nonprofit organizations. Many others are employed in the education sector including at universities, community colleges and high schools.

For more information about our geology program, visit ourÌý.

Contact

Maggie Puryear
Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs
919.513.1093
mwpollar@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

Orientation/Computer Literacy
°ä°¿³§Ìý100Science of Change 12
Computer Science Option3
Writing and Speaking
°ä°¿²ÑÌý110Public Speaking3
·¡±·³ÒÌý101Academic Writing and Research 24
Select one of the following:3
Communication for Engineering and Technology
Communication for Business and Management
Communication for Science and Research
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
²Ñ´¡Ìý131Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 23-4
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ´¡Ìý141 Calculus I
²Ñ´¡Ìý231Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B 23-4
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ´¡Ìý241 Calculus II
°ä±áÌý101Chemistry - A Molecular Science 23
°ä±áÌý102General Chemistry Laboratory1
°ä±áÌý201Chemistry - A Quantitative Science3
°ä±áÌý202Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory1
Select one of the following: 24
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory
College Physics I
Select one of the following:4
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
College Physics II
Geology Core Courses
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý100Earth System Science: Exploring the Connections4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý101Geology I: Physical 33-4
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý140 Catastrophic Earth
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý150 Environmental Issues in Water Resources
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý200 Introduction to Oceanography
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý110Geology I Laboratory1
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý202Geology II: Historical3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý211Geology II Laboratory1
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý410Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý450Introductory Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý451Structural Geology4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý465Geologic Field Camp4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý466Preparatory Course for Field Camp1
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý495Junior Seminar in the Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences1
Restricted Electives
Surface Processes Elective (choose one):3
Marine Sediment Transport
Field Investigation of Coastal Processes
Geomorphology: Earth's Dynamic Surface
Applied Earth Science Elective (choose one):3
Environmental Geology
Geochemistry of Natural Waters
Exploration and Engineering Geophysics
Introduction to Hydrogeology
Restricted Earth Science Elective6
Math/Science Option6
Advised Electives
Advised Electives 413
GEP Courses
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 52
GEP Additional Breadth (Humanities/Social Sciences/Visual and Performing Arts)3
GEP U.S. Diversity (verify requirement)
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
Foreign Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 65
Total Hours120

Computer Science Option

³Ò±õ³§Ìý280Introduction to GIS3
´Ç°ùÌý²Ñ´¡Ìý116 Introduction to Scientific Programming (Math)
´Ç°ùÌý°ä³§°äÌý112 Introduction to Computing-FORTRAN
´Ç°ùÌý°ä³§°äÌý113 Introduction to Computing - MATLAB
´Ç°ùÌý°ä³§°äÌý116 Introduction to Computing - Java
´Ç°ùÌýCSCÌý200

Restricted Earth Science Electives

²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý300Environmental Geology4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý323Geochemistry of Natural Waters3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý369Life on Earth: Principles of Paleontology3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý411Marine Sediment Transport3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý415Climate Dynamics3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý440Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý459Field Investigation of Coastal Processes5
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý470Introduction to Geophysics3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý471Exploration and Engineering Geophysics3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý481Geomorphology: Earth's Dynamic Surface3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý485Introduction to Hydrogeology3

ÌýMath/Science Option

µþ±õ°¿Ìý181Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity4
µþ±õ°¿Ìý183Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology4
µþ±õ°¿Ìý310Quantitative Approaches to Biological Problems3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý315General Parasitology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý325Paleontological Field Methods4
µþ±õ°¿Ìý330Evolutionary Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý361Developmental Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý370Developmental Anatomy of the Vertebrates3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý375Developmental Anatomy Laboratory2
µþ±õ°¿Ìý405Functional Histology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý414Cell Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý416Cancer Cell Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý418Cell Biology Research Lab2
µþ±õ°¿Ìý424Endocrinology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý432Evolutionary Medicine3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý434Hormones and Behavior3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý440The Human Animal: An Evolutionary Perspective3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý444The Biology of Love and Sex3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý481Senior Capstone Project1
µþ±õ°¿Ìý482Capstone Course in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý483Capstone Course in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý484Capstone Course in Human Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý485Capstone Course in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý488Neurobiology3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý498Honors Project Part I3
µþ±õ°¿Ìý499Honors Project Part 23
µþ³§°äÌý492Professional Experience
µþ³§°äÌý493Research Experience
µþ³§°äÌý495Special Topics in Biological Sciences
°ä±áÌý220Introductory Organic Chemistry3
°ä±áÌý221Organic Chemistry I3
°ä±áÌý222Organic Chemistry I Lab1
°ä±áÌý315Quantitative Analysis3
°ä±áÌý316Quantitative Analysis Laboratory1
°ä±áÌý331Introductory Physical Chemistry4
CH/PSE 335Principles of Green Chemistry4
°ä±áÌý345Chemistry and War3
°ä±áÌý401Systematic Inorganic Chemistry I3
°ä±áÌý403Systematic Inorganic Chemistry II3
°ä±áÌý415Analytical Chemistry II3
°ä±áÌý431Physical Chemistry I3
°ä±áÌý433Physical Chemistry II3
°ä±áÌý435Introduction to Quantum Chemistry3
°ä±áÌý437Physical Chemistry for Engineers4
°ä±áÌý441Forensic Chemistry3
°ä±áÌý442Advanced Synthetic Techniques4
°ä±áÌý444Advanced Synthetic Techniques II4
°ä±áÌý452Advanced Measurement Techniques I4
°ä±áÌý454Advanced Measurement Techniques II4
CH 463/563Molecular Origins of Life3
°ä±áÌý495Special Topics in Chemistry1-4
°ä±áÌý499Undergraduate Research in Chemistry1-3
²Ñ´¡Ìý242Calculus III4
²Ñ´¡Ìý302Numerical Applications to Differential Equations1
²Ñ´¡Ìý303Linear Analysis3
²Ñ´¡Ìý305Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices3
MA/MEA 315Mathematics Methods in Atmospheric Sciences4
²Ñ´¡Ìý325Introduction to Applied Mathematics3
²Ñ´¡Ìý331Differential Equations for the Life Sciences3
MA/LOG 335Symbolic Logic3
²Ñ´¡Ìý341Applied Differential Equations I3
²Ñ´¡Ìý351Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models3
²Ñ´¡Ìý401Applied Differential Equations II3
²Ñ´¡Ìý402Mathematics of Scientific Computing3
²Ñ´¡Ìý403Introduction to Modern Algebra3
²Ñ´¡Ìý405Introduction to Linear Algebra3
²Ñ´¡Ìý407Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors3
²Ñ´¡Ìý408Foundations of Euclidean Geometry3
²Ñ´¡Ìý410Theory of Numbers3
²Ñ´¡Ìý412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
²Ñ´¡Ìý413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
MA/CSC 416Introduction to Combinatorics3
²Ñ´¡Ìý421Introduction to Probability3
²Ñ´¡Ìý425Mathematical Analysis I3
²Ñ´¡Ìý426Mathematical Analysis II3
MA/CSC 427Introduction to Numerical Analysis I3
MA/CSC 428Introduction to Numerical Analysis II3
²Ñ´¡Ìý430Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences3
²Ñ´¡Ìý432Mathematical Models in Life Sciences3
²Ñ´¡Ìý437Applications of Algebra3
²Ñ´¡Ìý440Game Theory3
²Ñ´¡Ìý444Problem Solving Strategies for Competitions1
²Ñ´¡Ìý450Methods of Applied Mathematics I3
²Ñ´¡Ìý451Methods of Applied Mathematics II3
²Ñ´¡Ìý491Reading in Honors Mathematics1-6
²Ñ´¡Ìý493Special Topics in Mathematics1-6
²Ñ´¡Ìý494Major Paper in Math1
²Ñ´¡Ìý499Independent Research in Mathematics1-6
±Ê³ÛÌý301Introduction to Quantum Mechanics3
±Ê³ÛÌý328Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics3
±Ê³ÛÌý341Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology3
±Ê³ÛÌý401Quantum Physics I3
±Ê³ÛÌý402Quantum Physics II3
±Ê³ÛÌý407Introduction to Modern Physics3
±Ê³ÛÌý411Mechanics I3
±Ê³ÛÌý412Mechanics II3
±Ê³ÛÌý413Thermal Physics3
±Ê³ÛÌý414Electromagnetism I3
±Ê³ÛÌý415Electromagnetism II3
±Ê³ÛÌý452Advanced Physics Laboratory3
PY/ECE/MSE 489Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting3
±Ê³ÛÌý495Special Topics in Physics1-4
±Ê³ÛÌý499Independent Research in Physics1-6
³§°ÕÌý307Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS1
³§°ÕÌý308Introduction to Statistical Programming - R1
³§°ÕÌý311Introduction to Statistics3
³§°ÕÌý312Introduction to Statistics II3
ST/BUS 350Economics and Business Statistics3
³§°ÕÌý370Probability and Statistics for Engineers3
³§°ÕÌý371Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory3
³§°ÕÌý372Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression3
³§°ÕÌý380Probability and Statistics for the Physical Sciences3
³§°ÕÌý401Experiences in Data Analysis4
³§°ÕÌý405Applied Nonparametric Statistics3
ST/GPH 404Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health3
³§°ÕÌý412Long-Term Actuarial Models3
³§°ÕÌý413Short-Term Actuarial Models3
³§°ÕÌý421Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I3
³§°ÕÌý422Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II3
³§°ÕÌý430Introduction to Regression Analysis3
³§°ÕÌý431Introduction to Experimental Design3
³§°ÕÌý432Introduction to Survey Sampling3
³§°ÕÌý433Applied Spatial Statistics 3
³§°ÕÌý434Applied Time Series3
³§°ÕÌý435Statistical Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement3
³§°ÕÌý437Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis 3
³§°ÕÌý440Applied Bayesian Analysis3
ST/CSC 442Introduction to Data Science3
³§°ÕÌý445Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management3
³§°ÕÌý446Intermediate SAS Programming with Applications3
³§°ÕÌý491Statistics in Practice3
³§°ÕÌý495Special Topics in Statistics1-6
³§°ÕÌý497Professional Experience in Statistics1-3
³§°ÕÌý498Independent Study In Statistics1-6
³§°ÕÌý499Research Experience in Statistics1-3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý100 Earth System Science: Exploring the Connections 2 4
²Ñ´¡Ìý141
Calculus I 2
or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A
3-4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý101 Geology I: Physical 2 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý110 Geology I Laboratory 2 1
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
°ä°¿³§Ìý100 Science of Change 1 2
ÌýHours14
Spring Semester
°ä±áÌý101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science 2 3
°ä±áÌý102 General Chemistry Laboratory 2 1
·¡±·³ÒÌý101 Academic Writing and Research 2 4
²Ñ´¡Ìý241
Calculus II 2
or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B
3-4
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý202 Geology II: Historical 2 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý211 Geology II Laboratory 2 1
ÌýHours15
Second Year
Fall Semester
Math/Science Option 2 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý410 Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology 2 4
Select one of the following: 2 4
Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 2
Ìý
College Physics I 2 Ìý
°ä±áÌý201 Chemistry - A Quantitative Science 2 3
°ä±áÌý202 Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 2 1
ÌýHours15
Spring Semester
Computer Science Option 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý450 Introductory Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 2 4
Select one of the following: 2 4
Physics for Engineers and Scientists II
and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory
Ìý
College Physics II Ìý
GEP Social Sciences 3
ÌýHours14
Third Year
Fall Semester
Math/Science Option 2 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý451 Structural Geology 2 4
Restricted Earth Science Elective 2 3
Free Elective 6 2
GEP Social Sciences 3
ÌýHours15
Spring Semester
Advanced Writing Elective 3
Advised Elective 4 3
°ä°¿²ÑÌý110 Public Speaking 3
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý466 Preparatory Course for Field Camp 2 1
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý495 Junior Seminar in the Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences 2 1
Surface Processes Elective 2 3
ÌýHours14
Summer
²Ñ·¡´¡Ìý465 Geologic Field Camp 2 4
ÌýHours4
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Applied Earth Science Elective 2 3
Advised Elective 4 4
GEP Humanities 3
GEP Additional Breadth (Humanities/Social Sciences/Visual and Performing Arts) 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 5 1
ÌýHours14
Spring Semester
Advised Elective 4 3
Advised Elective 4 3
Restricted Earth Science Elective 2 3
GEP Humanities 3
Free Elective 6 3
ÌýHours15
ÌýTotal Hours120

Career Opportunities

MEAS undergraduate degree programs provide talented students with the foundation of scientific knowledge required for careers in government, industry, or academia. Many students pursue graduate degrees and pursue careers in industry, at government agencies and in academia.

Marine Sciences graduates go on to become oceanographers, to manage our coastal resources, model air-sea interaction, and explore global climate change. They conduct basic and applied research, serving as environmental consultants for industry and governmental agencies, policy and management experts for governmental agencies, and environmental science educators. Graduates with a Natural Resources degree are versed in the fundamental processes and interdisciplinary nature of the coastal zone. As scientists, managers, administrators, and regulators, they make decisions regarding use and conservation of coastal and marine resources.

Geology graduates address society’s needs for dealing effectively with earth processes, such as water resources and the stability of land forms. They work for engineering firms, permit-issuing agencies, and industries that rely on geological resources. Historical geologists are familiar with the evolution of earth through time and provide a perspective on potential long-term reactions of the earth systems to change. Those who concentrate in Environmental Geology are trained to assess and monitor geological resources such as ground water. Marine geologists are experts in the complex issues facing industry, municipalities, and residents in the dynamic and ecologically vulnerable coastal zone.

Meteorology graduates enjoy careers in weather forecasting, air quality assessment, development of weather products and services, broadcast communications, and advanced research. Marine meteorologists study ocean-generated weather systems. Their research is yielding practical benefits such as refined prediction of storm surge, which has streamlined evacuation efforts during severe storms along the Carolina coast. Meteorology graduates with an air quality emphasis work for environmental firms, regulatory agencies, and in applied research. Study of air quality and how air pollution is transported and dispersed is a rapidly expanding field in the atmospheric sciences.

MEAS graduates play a key service role for the State of North Carolina, assisting in everything from forecasting severe storms and analyzing the impact of atmospheric pollutants on agriculture and our estuaries, to determining the effects of toxic waste disposal on quality of surface and ground water.