UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Undergraduate Handbook

Introduction

"Earth and Environmental Sciences" encompass a diverse and varied range of topics and disciplines.  Think of any process that involves interactions among the lithosphere (crust, upper mantle), hydrosphere (oceans, lakes, streams, groundwater flowing on or through the crust), biosphere (organisms as simple as bacteria to complex ecosystems such as tropical rain forests), cryosphere (polar ice caps, both present and ancient), and atmosphere (especially ancient or "paleo"-climates) and mix in the added dimension of the mind boggling length of geologic time, and voila....you will find geoscientists studying them.  Most people think of volcanoes and earthquakes when they think of geological processes, and rightly so.  However, there is much more to being a volcanologist than someone who hikes up volcanoes and collects samples of lava, ash, or volcanic gasses.  Many explosive eruptions are triggered by magma coming into contact with groundwater.

The typical profile of a geoscientist is someone with a broad range of interests in science, nature, and the environment.  Most geoscientists start out their academic careers as something other than geologists.  Pre-med, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Geography, even English!  However, most realize that their true interests are in studying the Earth, interests that they have had since they were kids.  No matter which road you take to Geology, there is bound to be some aspect that you find compelling enough to draw you into the field and allow you to have a rewarding and satisfying career as a geoscientist.
 
 
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 Undergraduate Degree Options

There is more than one way to obtain an education in geology.  The degree program you select will depend on your interests and scientific aptitude

B.S. in Geology  For those more interested in basic research or the application of that research in the energy, geophysical, or environmental fields, then the B.S. would be most appropriate degree to pursue.

B.A. Geology The B.A. program is designed for students planning a career in government policy relating to earth science and environmental issues, earth-science education, business (environmental consulting), environmental law, or environmental medicine.

Minor in Geology

Topical Major in Environmental Sciences

Advising

All undergraduate students, once they accumulate more than 30 credits (i.e., they are sophomores) are advised by Professor Dave Moecher, the Director of Undergraduate Studies.  Incoming freshman and those with fewer than 30 credits are advised by the Advising Center of the College of Arts and Sciences

Activities

Field Trips
Geology Student Association