Geosciences

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Department Head: Joel L. Pederson
Location: Geology 205
Phone: (435) 797-1273
FAX: (435) 797-1588
E-mail: geo@usu.edu
WWW: geo.usu.edu

Undergraduate Advisor:
JanaLee H. Johnson, ESLC 245H, (435) 797-2481, janalee.johnson@usu.edu

Undergraduate Mentors:
Thomas E. Lachmar, Geology 305A, (435) 797-1247, tom.lachmar@gmail.com
Carol M. Dehler, Geology 201, (435) 797-0764, carol.dehler@usu.edu

Graduate Committee:
Dennis Newell, Geology 210, (435) 797-0479, dennis.newell@usu.edu
Kelly Bradbury, Geology 112, (435) 797-0515, kelly.bradbury@usu.edu

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geology, BS and BA in Earth Science Composite Teaching, Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geology; MS in Applied Environmental Geoscience

Undergraduate emphases: BS in Geology—Applied Environmental Geoscience, Geology: Professional Emphasis, and Hydrogeology-Engineering

Graduate specializations: MS in Geology—Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentology and Paleoecology, Structure and Tectonics, and Climate Adaptation Science; PhD in Geology—Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentology and Paleoecology, Structure and Tectonics, and Climate Adaptation Science

Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at this link: geo.usu.edu/assessment.

Undergraduate Programs

The Geosciences, or Earth Sciences, include classical Geology as well as interdisciplinary study of the solid Earth’s interactions with water and hydrologic systems, climate systems, and biologic systems. Geoscientists use approaches from other disciplines to study our planet, such as in geophysics, geochemistry, and paleobiology and paleoecology. Geoscientists have important roles in the discovery and management of mineral, energy, and water resources, environmental and natural-hazard studies, land management, and education.

The Department of Geosciences at Utah State University focuses on research and education on Earth materials, the physical and chemical processes acting upon them, how landscapes evolve under those processes, and the history of Earth and its life. We maintain a tradition of field-oriented instruction, taking advantage of our location, although our research is largely conducted in laboratories and on computers.

The goals of the Geosciences undergraduate programs are to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills involved in the diverse fields of geosciences, to teach students to think like a scientist, and to impart professional skills students will need in their careers.

Four program options are offered to meet the growing demand for geoscientists with broad technical and professional training: 1) general Geology (BS in Geology without an emphasis); 2) Applied Environmental Geoscience emphasis; 3) Geology: Professional Emphasisemphasis; and 4) Hydrogeology-Engineering emphasis. The emphasis in Applied Environmental Geoscience is an interdisciplinary program that is tailored to combine parts of the traditional geology curriculum with a variety of courses in related subject areas, such as watershed sciences, soils, biology, statistics, and GIS/remote sensing. The Geology: Professional Emphasis is designed to provide practical and professional training for employment with a BS degree and to lead to professional licensure as a geologist. The Hydrogeology-Engineering emphasis combines engineering coursework and core geology for futures in geo-engineering consulting.

The department also offers the Earth Science Composite Teaching major to prepare teachers of Earth Science at the secondary school level. Requirements for this major meet or exceed the standards of the National Science Teachers Association. Those students who major in Earth Science should be aware that state licensure is required of secondary education teachers. The Earth Science Composite Teaching major fulfills the requirements that provide eligibility for licensure. Advising for the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) and state of Utah secondary education licensure is provided by the USU School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL).

General College of Science Requirements

All general College of Science requirements are embedded within the various major requirements listed below. No extra coursework is required to fulfill the general college requirements.

Requirements

Departmental Admission Requirements

New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major. Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 2.5 GPA for admission to this major in good standing. Students seeking admission to the Earth Science Composite Teaching major should be aware that a 3.0 minimum GPA is required for admission to the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) in the School of TEAL. Students in the Hydrogeology-Engineering emphasis must meet all College of Engineering GPA standards appropriate for the courses to be taken having either the ENGR or CEE prefix.

Field Trips and Labs

Most Geoscience courses have required laboratories and/or field trips. Those enrolled are expected to dress properly for the conditions and observe safety precautions issued by the instructors. Most courses require lab fees.

Senior Thesis

Geology majors in good academic standing may elect to complete a senior thesis. This is an endeavor which normally spans a year in its preparation and completion. Senior thesis credits may be applied toward the elective requirements in the general Geology option. For further information, students should contact their faculty mentor.

Suggested Four-year Plans

Suggested semester-by-semester four-year plans for students working toward a bachelor’s degree are available in the Geosciences Department.

Students should consult with their advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program offers students in all colleges and majors the unique opportunity to deepen their educational experience with hands-on practical applications of their academic knowledge. The Honors Program admits incoming, transfer, and existing USU students based on application. High-achieving students with at least one year remaining are encouraged to apply. See the University Honors Program catalog entry and website (honors.usu.edu) for more information.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Department of Geosciences offers a range of opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Gaining upper-level course credit for undergraduate research activities can be coordinated by undergraduate faculty mentor Tom Lachmar (435-797-1247, tom.lachmar@gmail.com).

Learning Objectives

Upon graduation, Geology majors are expected to have a series of critical geoscience and professional skills. To learn more about these, as well as a listing of specific geoscience learning objectives, visit geo.usu.edu/assessment/undergraduate/learning-objectives.

Assessment

The Department of Geosciences relies on a variety of tools to periodically assess its undergraduate program, including: (1) student input in assessment; (2) value-added assessment; (3) college-level assessment; (4) alumni participation in assessment; and (5) faculty program assessment. For more information, please refer to the Geosciences Department assessment website at geo.usu.edu/assessment/undergraduate/assessment-plan.

Additional Information

For more information about bachelor’s degree requirements for Geosciences programs, contact the advisors and mentors listed above.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Geosciences offers three graduate degree programs. Two are research-oriented, plan-A tracks – the PhD and MS in Geology - whereas the MS in Applied Environmental Geoscience is a coursework-intensive, plan-B program. To learn more about these programs and their requirements, visit geo.usu.edu/graduate-program/degree-requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have acceptable GRE scores and an acceptable GPA. For the Master of Science program, minimum scores of 40th percentile on the Verbal and Quantitative sections and a GPA of 3.0 are required. For the PhD program, minimum scores of 50th percentile on the Verbal and Quantitative sections and a GPA of 3.4 are required. For both programs, a member of the Geology faculty must agree to serve as the major professor for the applicant prior to acceptance.

Applications will be considered throughout the year, but program entry in fall semester is preferred. Students who wish to be considered for assistantships or other financial aid must have complete applications on file no later than February 15 for entry into the program the following fall semester.

Prerequisites for Matriculation

Completion of a BS or BA in geology, biology, physics, chemistry, engineering or other geoscience-related degree is required for matriculated status. Deficiencies in geology are determined based on current USU undergraduate degree requirements for either the Geology or Hydrogeology-Engineering Geology option, as appropriate. The following geology courses or their equivalents are expected: GEO 1110 , GEO 1115 , GEO 2200 , GEO 2800 , GEO 3550 , GEO 3600 , GEO 3700 , and GEO 4700  or GEO 5200 . It is expected that any deficiencies will be made up before the end of the first year of graduate study.

Research

There are seven broad areas of research emphasis for graduate students and faculty within the department: (1) geomorphology and earth surface processes; (2) geophysics; (3) hydrogeology; (4) petrology and geochemistry; (5) sedimentology and paleontology; (6) structure and tectonics; and (7) climate adaptation science. Summaries of these activities follow.

The Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes specialization prepares students for careers in research, environmental monitoring, land management, and restoration. Training emphasizes the fluvial and hillslope processes that shape landscapes across spatial and temporal scales.

Research in Geophysics includes geodetic measurements and modeling of rifting, orogeny, slow fault slip events, earthquakes and post-seismic deformation; inversion and imaging of subsurface properties using combinations of seismic, gravity, elevation and heat flow data; and regional to continental scale mapping of lithospheric strength and rheological properties.

Research activity in Hydrogeology includes wellhead protection in confined to semi-confined aquifers, the relationships between stream losses and water table depths, and the identification and geochemical characterization of groundwater recharge to surface streams.

The Petrology and Geochemistry specialization focuses on the evolution of magmatic systems, oceanic lithosphere, collisional orogens, and convergent margin systems. These efforts utilize field relations, phase chemistry, and whole rock geochemistry to explore the relationship of these systems to the tectonic and geochemical evolution of the Earth.

Research in Sedimentology and Paleoecology includes the sequence stratigraphy of Paleozoic mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems and Proterozoic basin analysis, isotope geochemistry, and paleobiology.

The specialization in Structure and Tectonics focuses on examining the mechanical and chemical evolution of fault zones using thermochronology and other approaches; the development of extensional structures in the Great Basin; fold-and thrust structures in the Rocky Mountains; and the characterization of fluid-flow properties in fractured rocks.

The cross-disciplinary Climate Adaptation Science specialization provides students with experiences in actionable science through internships with agency, NGO, and industry partners and research experiences to identify adaptive responses to changing climate extremes. In a first internship, students contribute to projects and learn the workplace cultures and science needs of the host, which then inform the graduate research of student teams. In a second internship, students share science results and tools with the host organization and help put that science into action.

Financial Assistance

Departmental financial support for incoming graduate students consists primarily of graduate teaching and/or research assistantships accompanied by tuition and insurance coverage, which are awarded on a competitive basis. Students applying to the department’s graduate programs are systematically considered for assistantship support. Admission to the MS or PhD program does not guarantee financial assistance.

Additional Information

Additional information on the research activities of faculty and graduate students may be obtained directly from the Department of Geosciences’ website at geo.usu.edu.

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