Geology and Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Arts
Department Chair:
David Griffing
Faculty:
Zsuzsanna Balogh-Brunstad; Eric Johnson
Major
Geology and Environmental Sciences
Tracks
Geology (Track I)
Environmental Geology (Track II)
Geological Education (Track III)
Minor
Geology and Environmental Sciences
About
Geology includes the study of Earth’s crust, interior, water, atmosphere, magnetic fields, and gravitational fields. Along with its own unique concepts, geology incorporates and integrates aspects of the physical, chemical and biological sciences. It is also concerned with the Earth’s history and the processes operating in and on the Earth, including the formation of its surface features, and the erosion and deformation of this surface. The more that is known about the Earth’s materials, formation and structure, the better we can appreciate, use and preserve our planet. This understanding is at the heart of many economic, social and environmental issues such as oil and mineral exploration, safe disposal of industrial and municipal wastes, preservation of groundwater supplies, and the choice of sites for dams, nuclear power plants and high-rise buildings. These issues will become more complex as demands on Earth and its resources increase.
In addition, study in the discipline can help students develop reasoning and analytical skills that can prove useful throughout their lives. Geology is an inductive science that requires creativity - geologists develop hypotheses, sort through the available data, and determine the most logical hypothesis supported by that data. As they look at the evolution of Earth (its life and its environments, the formation of microscopic crystals, the global movement of continents) over millions of years—they are constantly asking: What were the conditions when this occurred? Why did it happen? How?
The study of geology as part of a broader liberal arts and sciences education prepares students to become better-informed citizens, able to make reasoned judgments that will guide the regulation, protection and development of our environment in the coming century. In addition, a minor in Geology can complement major study in a variety of other disciplines, from Chemistry to Political Science.
Courses required for a major in Geology are selected to give students a broad background in the field. Introductory courses cover the origin, composition, structure and history of the Earth. In subsequent courses, students study: 1) minerals, 2) igneous and metamorphic rocks, 3) fossils and sedimentary rocks, 3) the deformation of rocks, 4) the flow dynamics and chemistry of surface- and ground-waters, 5) the physical and chemical effects of pollution, and 6) the way in which data are gathered and recorded in the field. An understanding of basic concepts necessary for work in geology is gained through required courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus.
By the spring semester of their junior year, majors develop study proposals for the required Senior Thesis (GEOL 490) project, as part of the required Pre-Thesis Research course (GEOL 489). The project typically includes both laboratory and fieldwork, and this fieldwork may require time in the summer. Majors are encouraged to go beyond the minimal requirements, taking additional courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Since geology is a field-based science and exposure to diverse field phenomena provides a stronger understanding of these phenomena, students are also encouraged to build their field knowledge in courses with off-campus field components (GEOL 227 and GEOL 275). Students interested in teaching high school Earth science can obtain certification by fulfilling requirements for the Geological Education Track combined with a program of courses from the Education Department.
Careers are available in several areas for students with undergraduate degrees in geology. Graduates of the program are typically employed at the entry level of the energy, mineral, and environmental science industries, as well as some government agencies. However, supervisory- and research-level employment is typically available to individuals with a graduate degree. Consequently, some geology majors at Hartwick go on to attend graduate school in the geosciences.