College of Arts and Sciences
Physics, Geology, and Astronomy
Professor Habte Churnet, Head
The Department of Physics, Geology, and Astronomy offers two degree programs for its majors: the B.S. in physics, and the B.S. in geology. The department also contributes to programs leading to degrees in other sciences, engineering, and professional areas. In addition, the department offers minors in geology and physics.
The geology program emphasizes hands-on experience. Many courses are supported by field examination of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.
The geology curriculum is designed to train students to pursue graduate degrees or enter the work force, particularly in the area of environmental geology.
As a fundamental science, physics is required for the education of students in many disciplines. The physics program emphasizes mathematics, but to accommodate students in less quantitative disciplines the department also offers introductory algebra-based physics. Physics majors are qualified to seek opportunities in graduate school, education, government, and industrial research.
The astronomy program is augmented by specialized equipment for astrophotography. The off-campus UTC Clarence T. Jones Observatory provides astronomy presentations to the community at large.
The department offers several introductory courses which fulfill the natural science requirement with lectures and corresponding laboratories: Physics 103/183, 104/184, 230/280, 231/281, Geology 111/181, 112/182, 116, General Science 111/181, and Astronomy 101/181, 102/182 all contain a strong laboratory emphasis, and are excellent choices to increase one’s appreciation of nature and the physical universe. Geology 116, 225, General Science 115, and Astronomy 101 are approved non-lab courses in Natural Science.
Geology (B.S.)
- General Education (see for list of approved courses)
- Rhetoric and Composition: Two approved courses in rhetoric and composition (6 hours)
- Mathematics: One approved mathematics course (3hours; approved related courses below will apply)
- Statistics: One approved statistics course (3 hours)
- Natural Sciences: Two approved natural science courses, at least one including a laboratory component (7-8 hours)
- Humanities and Fine Arts: Two approved humanities and fine arts courses, one from fine arts and one from either (6 hours)
- Cultures and Civilizations: Option A: Western Humanities I and II and Non-Western Cultures and Civilizations OR Option B: World Civilization I, II, III (9 hours total)
- Behavioral and Social Sciences: Two approved behavioral or social science courses in two different disciplines (6 hours)
Major and Related Courses
- English 278
- Geology 111/181, 112/182, 303, 341, 342, 451, 480, 490
- Any two of the following sequences: Biology 121 and 122, Chemistry 121/123 and 122/124, Physics 103/183 and 104/184, or Physics 230/280 and 231/281.
- Recommended: Astronomy 101/181 or 102/182,
Environmental Science 150, Math 161/162, Physics 230/280, 231/281,
232/282 and Chemistry 341, 351/353.
- 2.0 average in all geology courses.
- Minimum of 39 hours of 300 and 400 level courses.
- Electives to complete 120 hours.
Additional requirements.
Each geology major must also complete
the requirements for either the Geology option or the Environmental Geology
option.
2380 - Geology
Geology 321, 452, plus 7 hours of geology electives, including at least one course at the 400-level; Mathematics 151/152.
2382 - Environmental Geology
Geology 123, 445, plus 8 hours of geology electives, including at least one course at the 400-level; Mathematics 131 or 151/152.
Field Work
Geology majors are encouraged to enroll in a field geology course (field camp) during the summer following the junior or senior year. In the latter case, graduation will be postponed until August and the requirement that the last 30 hours be completed at UTC will be waived. It is still required, however, that at least 30 hours be completed at UTC.
Graduate Study Preparation
Most graduate schools in geology require a minimum of 1 year of calculus, 1 year of calculus-based physics, and a good background in courses from biology, chemistry, and computer science, and a geology field camp. Therefore, students intending to pursue a graduate degree in geology should take those courses that will best prepare them for the graduate program of their choice. It is strongly recommended that the prospective graduate student also take Geology 497r.
Mathematics 106, 144, and 145 may be recommended to precede Mathematics 151/152, depending on preparation of the individual student. Students taking the Environmental Geology option may substitute Mathematics 136 for Mathematics 151/152.
Mathematics 106 and 131 may be recommended to precede Mathematics 136, depending on the preparation of the individual student.
GEOLOGY MINOR
18 hours of geology including 111/181, 112/182, and 407. At least 8 hours 300 level or above.
Minimum 2.0 average in all geology courses.
GEOLOGY COURSES (GEOL)
100 Earth Science (4)
Interdisciplinary overview of the planet Earth, including the origin and evolution of its physical features, the role of modern technology in refining plate tectonic theory, and a look toward Earth’s future. On demand. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours.
108 Geomorphology (3)
Scientific account of the general configuration of Earth’s surface and the evolution of land forms. On demand. Lecture 3 hours.
111 Physical Geology (3)
Introduction to geology with emphasis on the origin of Earth, geological materials (minerals, rocks), geological processes and events (mountain building, erosion, earthquakes, volcanic activity) and geological features ( oceans, land forms). Field trips. Every semester. Prerequisite: math placement level 20 or Mathematics 106. Corequisite: Geology 181 laboratory, or approval of department head.
112 Historical Geology (3)
Geologic history of Earth, with emphasis on geologic time and the evolution of life as gleaned from the fossil record. Field trips. Every semester. Prerequisite: Geology 111 or approval of the instructor. Corequisite: Geology 182 laboratory, or approval of the head of the department.
116 Current Geological Perspectives of Earth (3)
Geological perspectives of Earth and the ways in which it enhances and limits our life styles, including natural disasters and basic issues of sustainability. Promotes an understanding of Earth and the insights necessary to making conscientious environmental decisions. Specific topics may vary in keeping with current issues. On demand. Prerequisite: math placement level 20 or equivalent college math course. Cannot be used to satisfy Geology major requirements.
123 Environmental Geology (4)
Natural, mining, and industry-related environmental hazards, including interactions of water, rock, and air, and the attempts of humanity to remedy these problems. On demand. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 1 hour.
181 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Geology 111. Laboratory studies of minerals and rocks, topographic maps and geologic process and events. Two hours per week. Every semester. Corequisite: Geology 111 or approval of the head of the department head.
182 Historic Geology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory to accompany Geology 112. Laboratory studies of rocks, geologic maps and geologic structures, stratigraphic data sets, selected fossil and recent specimens of major taxonomic groups of organisms. Every semester. Two hours per week. Corequisite: Geology 112, or approval of the head of the department.
