≈ Earth Science 2012-2013 ≈
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Geography
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Armstrong Hall 07 (507) 389-2617
Earth Science studies the earth’s interrelated physical systems of atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and outer space. Foundation to earth science are the impacts of people and the interactions of chemical, physical, and biological processes at all spatial scales ranging from submicroscopic to planetary, and over time scales from the immediate to billions of years. Thus, courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and physics are required to fulfill degree requirements. Majors may choose to earn the BA or BS in the broadly based program or a more focused geology “option” (BS only) is available. For secondary teacher licensure see the Science Teaching program and major.
Minimum university admission requirements are:
Contact the department for application procedures.
Earth Science Major
Required for major (Core, 43 credits)
| AST 101 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) |
| AST 102 | Introduction to the Planets (3) |
| BIOL 100 | Our Natural World (4) |
| CHEM 201 | General Chemistry I (5) |
| GEOG 101 | Intro. to Physical Geography (3) |
| GEOG 217 | Weather (3) |
| GEOG 315 | Geomorphology (3) |
| GEOG 410 | Climatic Environments (3) |
| GEOL 121 | Physical Geology (4) |
| GEOL 122 | Earth History (4) |
| GEOL 201 | Elements of Mineralogy (4) |
| PHYS 211 | Principles of Physics (4) |
Required Elective for Major (6 Credits)
(Choose six credits from the following)
| AST 125 | Observational Astronomy (3) |
| BIOL 432 | Lake Ecology (4) |
| GEOG 370 | Cartographic Techniques (4) |
| GEOG 373 | Intro to Geog Info Systems (4) |
| GEOG 412 | Advanced Weather (4) |
| GEOG 420 | Cons. of Natural Resources (3) |
| GEOG 440 | Field Studies: Colorado (3) |
| GEOG 440 | Field Studies: Field Methods |
| GEOG 480 | Seminar (1-4) |
| GEOL 330 | Structural Geology (4) |
| GEOL 350 | Environmental Geology (4) |
| GEOL 370 | Geotectonics (2) |
| GEOL 450 | Hydrogeology (3) |
Required for Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree ONLY: language (8 Credits)
Earth Science (BS) Geology Option
Geology is the study of the Earth, its materials, and its processes. It concerns itself with solving basic scientific problems and utilizing knowledge of the Earth for the benefit of mankind. Its concerns include but are not limited to soil preservation, water production and quality, hazards mitigation, resource exploration and production, engineering of structures large and small, climate change, and the history of life on Earth and the search for life on other planets.
Required General Education (13 Credits)
| CHEM 201 | General Chemistry I (5) |
| MATH 121 | Calculus I (4) |
| PHYS 211 | General Physics I(4) |
Core Courses (23 Credits)
| GEOL 121 | Physical Geology (4) |
| GEOL 122 | Earth History (4) |
| GEOL 201 | Elements of Mineralogy (4) |
| GEOL 302 | Petrology (4) |
| GEOL 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4) |
| GEOL 330 | Structural Geology (4) |
Required Elective (13) Elective must include at least two geography and at least two Geology courses
| GEOG 315 | Geomorphology (3) |
| GEOG 373 | Intro to Geog Info Systems (4) |
| GEOG 420 | Conservation of Natural Resources (3) |
| GEOG 471 | Digital Field Mapping with GPS (4) |
| GEOG 474 | Intro to Remote Sensing (4) |
| GEOL 350 | Environmental Geology (4) |
| GEOL 401 | Field Studies (1-3) |
| GEOL 450 | Hydrogeology (3) |
Required Capstone Experiences (4). Choose from (with advisor approval):
Minor Required: None
The information listed comes from the University Bulletin and any discrepancies defer to the bulletin. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling Student Relations, College of Social & Behavior Science at (507) 389-6303 (V)or(800) 627-3529(MRS/TTY). (2010)
Office: 146 Ford Hall
Phone: 507-389-2315
Email: bryce.hoppie@mnsu.edu
Office: AH 7
Phone: 507-389-2618
Email: don.friend@mnsu.edu
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
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Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
