Geological Sciences Minor

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Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the Geological Sciences minor should complete the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements

Geological Sciences Core (11 credits)

GLY 101LEC - Natural Hazards Credits: 3 OR
GLY 102LEC - Climate Change Credits: 3
GLY 105LAB - Natural Hazards and Climate Change:Past, Present, Future Credits: 1
GLY 205LLB - Earth Materials Credits: 4
GLY 303LEC - Geological Mapping Techniques and Communication. Credits: 3

Four Electives (15-16 credits)

GLY 308LR - Intro to Geochemistry Credits: 3
GLY 312LLB - Surface Processes and Hydrology Credits: 4
GLY 315LLB - Sedimentary Geology & Paleontology Credits: 4
GLY 325LLB - Geophysics Credits: 4
GLY 326LLB - Structural Geology/ Global Tectonics Credits: 4

Total Credits Required for Minor: 26-27

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This chart should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA of 2.000

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

Understanding basic scientific principles and concepts, including the importance of geology in society, geologic time, and geologic history, as well as rudiments of mathematics, chemistry, physics and statistics with applications to geology.
Laboratory and field practice in identifying minerals, rocks, soils, structures, stratigraphy and fossils, and using best practices to design and implement tests using modern methods and techniques.
Developing approaches for collection and analysis of information.
Critical thinking, hypothesis formulation and testing; i.e., demonstrating use of the scientific method independently and collaboratively, with hypothesis formulation, testing, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of observations.
Demonstrating skill in scientific communication - oral, written and technological.
Graduates will have the depth of knowledge and skill to interpret and create geologic products.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.