- 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 136 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 department head.
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 processes and events. Two hours per week. Every semester. Corequisite: Geology 111 or approval of 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.
199r Special Projects (1-4)
Individual or group projects. On demand. Prerequisites: receipt of an acceptable proposal, and approval of the instructor and department head. Graded on a satisfactory/no credit basis. Cumulative limit of 4 hours.
225 Oceanography (3)
Study of the oceans, including chemical and physical properties of sea water, patterns of seawater circulation, life zones, origin and physiography of ocean basins, and mineral and energy resources of the oceans. On demand. Lecture 3 hours. May be registered as Environmental Science 225. No credit in both Geology 225 and Environmental Science 225.
226 Oceanography Laboratory (1)
Laboratory exercises in oceanography. On demand. Corequisite: Geology 225.
303 Sedimentary Rocks and Stratigraphy (4)
Sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic correlation with emphasis on the classic stratigraphy of eastern North America, the facies concept, and paleogeographic reconstruction of the continents. Field trips. Fall semester, alternate years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: Geology 112/182.
307 Geology of Tennessee (3)
Geologic resources, structure, and history of Tennessee and adjacent areas. Lecture and field trips. On demand. Prerequisite: a previous course in geology.
321 Paleontology (4)
Study of animals that are preserved in the fossil record, particularly taxonomy and population, interpretation of faunal assemblages, and the concept of biostratigraphy. Laboratory exercises emphasize morphology and time ranges of major fossil groups. Field trips. Spring semester, alternate years. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: Geology 112/182.
330 Sedimentation (4)
Interpretation of ancient depositional environments from outcrop observations, well logs, and modern-day analogs. Extensive field work. On demand. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: Geology 303 or approval of the instructor.
341 Mineralogy (4)
Crystallography, descriptive and determinative mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and methods of chemical analysis. Fall semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: Geology 111/181, Chemistry 121/123.
342 Petrology (4)
In-depth study of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including classification, genesis, and evolution. Field trips. Spring semester. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: Geology 341.
