GEOLOGY AT SUNY BROCKPORT

This listing defines the program of study leading to a B.S. in 
Geology at SUNY Brockport and should be used in conjunction with 
the SUNY Brockport Undergraduate Studies catalog and the The 
Brockport Handbook.


INTRODUCTION

Students of geology at SUNY Brockport have contact with 
professional geologists of the department faculty in a close-knit, 
informal scholastic environment.  The staff members are readily 
accessible to students for advice in curricular and career 
planning.  The Geology Major is structured to provide the level 
of training and competence required by graduate schools and 
employers for a wide variety of careers in geologic areas such 
as petroleum geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and resource 
economics.  Since it's inception in l969, the professional-track 
Geology Major has been a remarkably successful, high quality 
program.  Pursuit of a professional career normally entails 
postgraduate study; however, direct employment opportunities 
are sometimes available.  Brockport Geology graduates have 
been very successful in gaining admission to graduate schools, 
including some of the most renowned universities in North America, 
and in progressing to professional employment with various 
governmental agencies and private industry.  Many of our graduates 
who have gone on to graduate studies have been awarded 
assistantships which cover a substantial part of the financial 
costs involved.


While learning the fundamental concepts of geological science, 
students are trained to think analytically, creatively, and 
quantitatively, gaining first-hand experience in laboratory and 
field techniques used in the study of geological materials.  
Classes are small, generally 20 or less.  Appropriate field 
experiences are integral to the program; the development of 
observational and analytical skills in actual field situations 
is stressed.  Field work is an important component of both 
coursework and club activities.  The Marine Geology - Bahamas 
practicum and environmental internships provide unique off-Campus 
experiences.  In the required senior seminar, the geology major 
acquires invaluable experience in writing and orally presenting 
the results of in-depth literature research to an audience of 
fellow students and professors.  Upper-level students, whose 
training and demonstrated ability qualify them for Independent 
Study, may participate in faculty research for credit, or work 
on their own research projects with appropriate faculty guidance.



FACILITIES

The Department is located in Lennon Hall in the Smith-Lennon 
Science Center which houses classrooms, laboratories, research 
space and offices, and the College Weather Center.  Well 
equipped for the pursuit of geologic investigations by students 
and faculty, facilities include specialized equipment for:  
X-ray diffraction and fluorescence analysis; optical spectroscopy; 
differential thermal analysis; magnetic and heavy mineral 
separation; rock and mineral crushing, cutting, and polishing; 
thin section preparation; particle size analysis; petrographic 
examination of rocks and minerals in transmitted and reflected 
light; photomicrography; geologic measurements of structural 
data and measuring and recording reflected seismic vibrations 
in the field.  Laboratory equipment, display collections, and 
microcomputers are available for student use.  





ADVISEMENT

Dr. Robert M. Cassie coordinates advisement for the Geology 
Major.   If you are considering majoring in geology, make an 
appointment with him to discuss a program of study to meet your 
interests and needs.  If you intend to major in geology, 
register your intent as early in your studies as possible.



ADVISEMENT FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

If you are planning to transfer into the Geology major degree 
program at SUNY Brockport from another college, consider the 
curriculum in this handbook for guidance.  A physical geology 
course (with lab) and a historical geology course (with lab) 
should be completed prior to matriculating if you are planning 
to complete the major in two years.  If the college you 
presently attend doesn't offer equivalent geology courses, 
you are advised to complete mathematics, physics, chemistry 
and non-science core courses at the level of the curriculum 
listed here before your transfer to the Geology major at 
Brockport.  It is particularly important to have taken a 
laboratory course in chemistry, which is a prerequisite for 
mineralogy and other related geology courses.



MINOR IN GEOLOGY

An undergraduate minor is not required by the College, but 
may be elected.  Eighteen hours are required and must include:  
GEL 101 Our Earth (or GEL 100 and GEL 102); GEL 302 Historical 
Geology, plus other courses as advised.



POLICY ON MAJORS AND MINORS

Majors within the Earth Sciences Department are strongly 
encouraged to have second majors or major/minor combinations 
with chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics or computer 
sciences rather than within the Department.  If both majors 
are within the Department, no more than 6 credits may be 
commonly applied.  Minor programs must have independent credits.  
Where the same courses are required for both the major and 
minor, the minor work must be 18 credits beyond those common 
credits.


RELATED STUDIES IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

The geology student is strongly encouraged to complete courses 
in the ancillary sciences of chemistry, physics, mathematics, 
computer science, and biology, or others as suggested by 
individual program needs.  For students planning graduate 
studies, a minor in one of these disciplines is recommended.



Requirements for the MAJOR IN GEOLOGY

Geology majors must earn a minimum of 37 hours, supplementing 
the required core with electives related to career goals and 
interests.  You are encouraged to complete one year of study 
each in chemistry, mathematics, and physics or biology.  

Core courses: 	Credits
	GEL 101	Our Earth (f,s,S)*				4 
	GEL 302	Historical Geology (s)				4 
	GEL 312	Mineral Science (f)				4 
	ESC 391	Writing in the Earth Sciences (f)		1
	GEL 411	Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (af)		4
	GEL 491	Seminar in Geologic Problems (s)		2 
							Total:	19

Designated electives**
(Select five of the following courses.)
	GEL 306	Paleontology (af)				4
	ESC 350 Computational Methods in the Field Sciences (s)	3
	GEL 408 Structural Geology (as)				4
	GEL 415/416 Geomorphology and Landform Analysis Lab (s)	4
	GEL 431	Petrology (as)					4
	GEL 462	Groundwater (s)					3
							Total:	18 or 19

To make normal progress toward the degree, students should take ESC 391 in 
the sophomore year (or at the latest, junior year.)   Our Earth, 
Historical Geology, and one year of college chemistry should be completed 
before entering the junior year.  In planning your program of study, 
please note that a number of required courses are offered every other year. 
 


Students are encouraged to take courses beyond the minimum requirements.

Other recommended electives include:

GEL 314 Optical Mineralogy (4) DS
GEL 456 Topics in Field Geology of the Northeast (3) 
GEL 463 Environmental Geology (3) S
GEL 476 Geologic Techniques (2) DS
GEL 480 Advanced Topics in Geology (3)
GEL 399/499 Independent study (2-4)
ESC 455 Introduction to Soils Science (3) f

code
Offering: f=fall; s-spring; S=summer; af=alternate fall; 
as=alternate spring; DS= directed study.

*The combination of GEL 100 and  GEL 102 may be substituted for GEL 101. 
**Courses not listed here as electives may not be taken as credit toward the Geology
    Major without written Departmental approval.


	SUGGESTED CURRICULUM PATTERN

The following curriculum provides a strong background in geology 
and related sciences to prepare a student for employment as a 
professional geologist or for graduate studies.  For students 
planning to pursue graduate studies, a minor in chemistry, 
physics, biology, mathematics, or computer science is 
recommended.  Note that this program goes beyond the minimum 
requirements for the geology major.




	FALL SEMESTER	SPRING SEMESTER

	FRESHMAN YEAR

GEL 101	Our Earth			 4	GEL 302	Historical Geology	 4
CHM 205	College. Chemistry		 4	CHM 206	College Chemistry	 4
ENL 112	College Composition		 3	General education electives	 6
GEP 100	Academic Planning 		 1
General education elective		 3


	SOPHOMORE YEAR 

GEL 306	Intro. Paleontology*		 4	GEL 415	Geomorphology		 3
ESC 391	Writing in Earth Sci.		 1	GEL 416	Landform Analysis Lab	 1
BIO 202	Biology II	 	 	 4	ESC 350	Comp Methods Field Sci	 3
MTH 201	Calculus I			 3	BIO 303	Ecology	 		 4
General education electives		 6	MTH 202	Calculus II		 3


	JUNIOR YEAR

GEL 312	Mineral Science			 4	GEL 408 Structural Geology*	 4
GEL 411*	Strat. & Sediment.	 4	GEL 463	Environmental Geology	 3
PHS 115	General Physics I		 4	PHS 116	General Physics II	 4
General education electives		 3	General education electives	 6



	SENIOR YEAR

GEL 499	Independent Study		 3	GEL 431	Petrology*		 4
ESC 455	Soils Science			 3	GEL 462	Groundwater		 3
Electives				 9	GEL 491	Seminar Geologic Problem 2 
						Electives			 6









*Course is offered every other year.  Check with your advisor to determine exactly 
 when it will be offered.


GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COLLEGE



Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements:


1.   Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours in an approved program with 
  a minimum grade point average of 2.0 earned at Brockport, and a maximum of 54 
  semester hours in any one discipline.
2.   Completion of the General Education requirement of the College (by 
  coursework, transfer credit, or appropriate waiver):
  a.   Academic Planning Seminar (GEP 100).
  b.   Composition (3-9 credits).
  c.   Quantitative Skills (0-6 credits).
  d.   Breadth Component (minimum of 24 credits):
	two courses in each of the areas of fine arts (one of which must 
	include a substantial performance experience), natural sciences 
	(one of which must include laboratory experience), social sciences, 
	and humanities.  One of these eight courses must offer a "comparative 
	perspective" of a non-Western culture.
  e.   Perspectives on women (one course).
  f.   Contemporary Issues (3 credits).
  g.   Computer literacy:  one course designated as meeting this requirement 
  	or appropriate waiver.

3.   Completion of a minimum of 48 semester hours in upper division courses 
  (numbered 300 or 400 level).
4.   Completion of 60 semester hours of liberal arts courses.
5.   Completion of an academic major program with a minimum cumulative index 
  of 2.0 in all courses required for the major.
6.   Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of upper-division courses 
  in the academic major.

The degree requirements of the College are described more fully in the 
Undergraduate Studies catalog.  Delta College students and those interested 
in the Bachelor of Arts degree should also refer to the catalog for 
specific degree requirements.


STUDENT CLUB ACTIVITIES

The student Earth Sciences Club provides opportunities for students and 
faculty members to participate together in extracurricular activities which 
include social functions, field trips, guest lectures, advisement sessions, 
Departmental governance, and off-Campus public relations activities.  The 
Earth Sciences Club has active "interest groups" which provide additional 
student-enrichment functions.  The Club is funded by the Brockport Student 
Government and has established a reputation for enjoyable and worthwhile 
activities which enhance communications not only within the Department but 
also with the rest of the College community