"Field Methods in Hydrogeology"
Course at Peterson Pits
Undergraduate Students
The Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences offers the Bachelor
of Science degree in geology and the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor
of Arts degrees in Earth science. The B.S. in geology focuses on traditional
geology and environmental geology/hydrogeology, while laying a solid
foundation for further graduate study. The B.S. in Earth science provides
a broader overview of geology and supporting sciences. The B.A. in Earth
science is designed primarily for careers in secondary education.
Geology Program
The B.S. degree is the only degree offered in the geology program and
it is designed to acquaint the student with the broad discipline of
geology and its supporting sciences. The degree includes two options,
one that emphasizes traditional geology (Option A), the other environmental
geology/hydrogeology (Option B). Students must declare their option
prior to the end of their sophomore year. Sufficient depth of coursework
is provided in both options so that the student may pursue graduate
study. A total of 43 credits of geology is required for Option A, including
100 (4 cr. option), 100L, 102, 102L, 302, 311(A), 356, 365, 368, 451
and 6 credits of geology electives. Required geology courses for Option
B (44 credits) are 100 (4 cr. option), 100L, 102, 102L, 302, 311(B),
356, 368, 411, 422, 475 and 6 credits of geology electives. Required
supporting courses for both options include Chem 163, 163L, 164, 164L;
Phys 111 and 112; Math 165, 166 or 181, 182; at least 6 additional credits
of mathematics, statistics, agronomy, engineering, or computer science
from an approved departmental list. Students with senior standing may
use graduate geology courses (500 level or above) to fulfill the elective
requirement; however, they should be aware that courses taken at the
graduate level and counted toward the B.S. degree cannot be applied
again toward a graduate degree at Iowa State University.
Geology courses generally have prerequisites in geology or in mathematics,
chemistry, or physics. Prerequisites require that courses be taken in
a prescribed sequence; however, because of differences in the preparation
and background of each student, there is not a unique way to proceed
through the B.S. program. Possible sequences of courses that will allow
the student to complete a degree within four years are shown in Table
4. Students are advised to maintain frequent contact with their academic
advisors so that all degree requirements are met in a timely fashion.
Earth Science Programs
Both B.A. and B.S. degrees are offered in the Earth science program.
In general, these programs require fewer courses in geology and allow
coursework in other disciplines such as astronomy. In instances where
students are undecided about their career plans, the Earth science and
geology programs (Option A) are similar enough that transfer between
these programs is possible during the first two years. Of the two degrees
in Earth sciences, the B.S. program emphasizes the core geology courses
and the basic supporting sciences. In addition to the requirements in
cognate sciences, the B.S. in Earth science requires 37 credits in geology,
3 credits in meteorology, and 8 credits of electives in supporting departments.
Required courses are Geology 100 (4 cr. option), 100L, 102, 102L, 302,
311(A), 356, 365, 368, 451, and Meteorology 206. Additional courses
in geology and agronomy are strongly recommended.
The B.A. program in Earth sciences provides a less rigorous course of
study in geology and supporting sciences and prepares the student primarily
for a career in secondary education. It requires 37 credits in geology,
3 credits in meteorology, and 6 credits in astronomy. Required geology
courses are 100 (4 cr. option), 100L, 102, 102L, 302, 311(A), 356, 365,
368, and 3 credits of a geology elective, Meteorology 206, and Astronomy
120 and 150. Additional courses in geology and agronomy are strongly
recommended. Required supporting courses include Chem 163, 163L, 164,
164L; Phys 111 and 112; Math 151, 160 or 165; Stat 101 or 104 or Com
S 107; and a course in biology. In addition to these requirements, the
student must meet the requirements for teacher licensure.
Minor in Geology
A minor in geology may be completed by taking Geology 100 and 100L (or
201), 102 and 102L, and additional credits at the 300 level or above
for a grand total of 15 credits. A total of 9 credits must be unique
to the minor and cannot be counted for both the major and the minor
field of study. The minor will appear on the undergraduate transcript.
Although it does not provide adequate preparation for a career in geology,
the minor will provide a core of experience that can augment a professional
degree in environmental science or any field of physical science, agronomy,
or engineering.
