Chair: Glenn R. Sebastian (460-6381)
Professors: Dilsaver, Isphording, Lamb (Emeritus)
Associate Professors: Clark, Haywick, Rivizzigno, Ryder, Sebastian, Williams
Assistant Professors: Allison, Blackwell, Fearn
Instructor: Davis
Adjunct Professors: Mueller, Sheldon

Geology is the study of the earth, its composition, and the forces that form and change it. As such, it encompasses a broad spectrum of studies and draws from the other basic sciences: chemistry, physics, and biology.

Geography, which is both a natural and a social science, studies the location, spatial distribution, and spatial interaction of Earth's natural and human environments. Special attention is given to biogeography, climatology, environmental geography, meteorology, soil geography, cultural geography, economic geography, historical geography, and urban geography. A concentration in meteorology is offered in the geography program.

The programs of the Department of Geology and Geography are designed to give the non-major a background in earth science and the human impact on the landscape as part of a general education.

A student may receive a major or minor in either geology or geography. Alternatively, a student may receive a major in geography with a concentration in meteorology.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY
Students should complete a minimum of 45 semester hours in geology. GY 111 and GY 112 are prerequisites for all other geology courses. The core requirements for a degree in Geology are listed below.

Core requirements for a geology major

Additional requirements from other disciplines

CH 131 General Chemistry I
CH 132 General Chemistry II
PH 114 Non-Calculus Based General Physics I
PH 115 Non-Calculus Based General Physics II
GEO 102 Landscape Processes and Patterns
MA 125 Calculus I
MA 126 Calculus II

Courses in statistics and computer science are strongly recommended for all geology majors.

A program in related sciences has been approved as an acceptable minor for geology majors; however, it is recommended that the student seek a traditional minor. The completion of this program includes: Biology 101 and 102 or Biology 121 and 122; Physics 114 and 115; Chemistry 131 and 132, mathematics through MA 126. Students seeking a minor in related sciences should be aware of the University requirement that all students must complete 32 resident hours in 300/400 level courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GEOLOGY
A student must take a minimum of 20 semester hours of Geology courses including GY 111 and GY 112. GY 310, GY 344, GY 345, and GY 371 are recommended for students majoring in Biology. GY 341, GY 431, and GY 475 are recommended for students majoring in Chemistry. GY 305, GY 360, and GY 420 are recommended for students majoring in Physics or Mathematics. For other majors, contact the Department of Geology and Geography.

Recommended Geology Major Curriculum
1st Year

Recommended Geology Major Curriculum
4th Year

Major Hours:  45
Minor Hours: 8-21

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY
A student with a major in geography must take a group of required geography courses and elective geography courses for a total of 45 semester hours. Students must take six (6) upper division geography courses from at least three (3) of the following categories: Human, Physical, Regional, and Technical. Geography 101 and 102 are prerequisites to all physical geography courses and Geography 114 is prerequisite to all human geography courses as listed below.

Additional requirements from other departments:
Geography majors must also take ST 210, CIS 150, one (1) additional natural science course and one (1) additional social science course.

Human Geography Courses:
GEO 312 World Economic Geography (W)
GEO 321 National Parks Conservation (W)
GEO 365 Urban Geography (W)
GEO 370 Tourism

Physical Geography Courses:
GEO 310 Environmental Earth Science
GEO 340 Meteorology
GEO 341 Climatology
GEO 410 Biogeography
GEO 411 Soils

Regional Geography Courses
GEO 313 Geography of Anglo-America
GEO 314 Geography of Europe
GEO 315 Geography of Latin America
GEO 320 Alabama Geography (W)

Technical Geography Courses:
GEO 330 Map Interpretation and Design
GEO 331 Computer Cartography
GEO 332 Introduction to Remote Sensing
GEO 420 Geostatistics
GEO 435 Research Methods in Geography
GEO 442 Applied Remote Sensing
GEO 461 Computer Mapping - GIS Technology
GEO 480 Field Methods in Geography (W)

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GEOGRAPHY
A student must take 20 semester hours of Geography, including 101, 102, 114, 115, and two electives at the 300 or 400 level.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY: METEOROLOGY CONCENTRATION
A student with a major in geography and a concentration in meteorology must take a group of required meteorology and geography courses totaling 45 semester hours. Meteorology students must take a core of 27 semester hours of meteorology, 14 hours of geography, and 4 hours of meteorology electives. The meteorology concentration also requires MA 125, 126, 227, 238, 332; PH 201, 202; ST 315 and CIS 150. Students may specialize in industrial meteorology by taking the required meteorology courses, the Industrial Meteorology Track (12), and 6 hours of meteorology electives.

Meteorology Electives: 4-6 hours

GRADUATE STUDIES
Although the Department of Geology and Geography has no graduate degree program, courses are offered at the graduate level for students enrolled in Marine Sciences and others who need such course work.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL GEOGRAPHY (GEO) COURSES

College of Arts and Sciences

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