The Earth Sciences program offers students the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the earth as a dynamic, interacting system of land, sea, atmosphere, and solar system. The student, in consultation with a faculty adviser, will select one of the three concentrations, usually after completion of 9 GES credit hours. The concentrations, leading in potentially different career directions, are Earth Science, Environmental Earth Sciences, and Geology. Earth Sciences majors may not minor in Astronomy.
Coursework in chemistry, calculus, and physics is expected, particularly for students intent upon careers in the geosciences, or contemplating graduate study. The recommended courses are
CHE 111 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I 4
CHE 112 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY II 3
MAT 126 APPLIED CALCULUS I 4
MAT 127 APPLIED CALCULUS II 4
PHY 111 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I 5
PHY 112 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II 5
and upper-division courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Each student should choose the appropriate courses by advisement, beginning with entry into the major.
Student majors are given many opportunities to pursue independent research under faculty supervision or an internship experience. Students may find additional information about undergraduate research possibilities from faculty members, and by visiting the Undergraduate Research Office.
A departmental honors program also is available. Students should contact the department for additional information.
NOTE: Students seeking New York State Teacher Certification are advised to review the M.S.Ed. in Science Education degree program in the graduate catalog; this program requires completion of an undergraduate degree in a core science prior to admission. The program is designed to enable students to quickly and efficiently develop the knowledge and skills required for teaching and leads to initial NYS certification for those candidates meeting the program admission requirements. Contact the department for advisement on the quick admission and 4+1 pathways available for Buffalo State students.
Intellectual Foundations Requirements
33-39 credit hours 33-39
Earth Science Major Requirements (62-67 credit hours)
Required Courses (49-50 credit hours)
Select 6 credit hours from the following (6):
GES 101 INTRODUCTORY GEOLOGY
GES 102 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
GES 111 OCEANOGRAPHY
GES 124 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
GES 132 THE SOLAR SYSTEM
At least 7 credit hours from the following:
GES 200 FIRST YEAR GEOLOGY EXPERIENCE
GES 201 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (4)
GES 202 EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH TIME (4)
All of the following courses (27 credit hours):
GES 131 INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY
GES 241 METEOROLOGY
GES 303 MINERALOGY (4)
GES 306 SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY (4)
GES 307 GEOMORPHOLOGY (4)
GES 408 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (4)
GES 418 STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY FIELD EXPERIENCE (1)
GES 428 GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Take 6 credit hours of the following:
Upper-division Astronomy (3 credit hours)
GES 323 THIRD- YEAR RESEARCH AND FIELD METHODS EXPERIENCE
GES 452 HYDROGEOLOGY
Select one (3 credit hours)
GES 431 PLANETARIUM SEMINAR
GES 472 GEOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR
Required Cognate Courses (13-17 credit hours)
CHE 111 FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I
Select one of the following (3-5 credit hours)
PHY 107 GENERAL PHYSICS I (4)
PHY 111 UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (5)
BIO 104 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
BIO 111 FOUNDATIONS OF BIOLOGY
BIO 210 MICROBIOLOGY
BIO 212
BIO 213 INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND BEHAVIOR (4)
Mathematics (3-5 credit hours)
Choose one of the following:
MAT 124 FUNCTIONS AND MODELING II
MAT 126 APPLIED CALCULUS I (4)
MAT 161/163 CALCULUS I
GIS Course (3 credit hours)
GEG 325 MAPS AND MAPMAKING USING GIS
All College Electives
20-30 credit hours 20-30
Total Credit Hours 120
