Graduates with a B.S. in geology have found satisfying employment not only in jobs directly related to geology but also in a wide variety of other activities. Students graduating with a B.S. in geology who pursue advanced degrees in geology, computer science, business administration, or geophysics have a competitive edge in the job market. Professional opportunities in jobs using geological expertise are much wider for graduates with master's degrees, in particular for employment with oil and mineral resource companies, and with state or federal agencies having responsibilities involving geological matters (geological surveys, water supply, environmental conservation, transport, etc.). Developing shortages of fossil fuels and raw materials for industry, along with increasing interest in environmental problems should provide a sustained demand for professional geologists.

The department sponsors two weekly seminar series that provide students with a sampling of important topics in current geological research: (1) informal talks given by faculty and graduate students; and (2) formal seminars presented by outside speakers. The department sponsors field trips in New York, New England, and the Appalachians.

General Program B.S.: A minimum of 66 credits for the combined major and minor including: A Geo 100N or A Geo 100F or 105, 106, 190N, 210, 211, 222, 230, 231 (or 231Z), 330, 331, 332, 335, 336, 400, 412 (or 415 and 416), 435, 470 (or 470Z); A Mat 111 or 112 or 118, 113 or 119; A Phy 105N, 106, 108N; 109, A Chm 120N, 121, 122A, 122B. Students are encouraged to take the following additional courses: A Geo 315, 428, 480 (or 480Z); A Phy 109; A Mat 108, 214, 220, 311; A Csi 101N or 201N; A Atm 100N.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): A minimum of 56-60 credits for the combined major and minor including: A Phy 105, 106, 108, 109; A Mat 101, 108, 111; A Chm 120N; A Geo 100N or 105N, 106, 190N or A Gog 101N; A Atm 100N or 102, 210, 211; two courses from A Gog 304, 385, 431, 496; a total of at least 12 credits from the following, including at least one course from each discipline: A Geo 330, 335, 415, 435, and A Atm 304, 305, 307, 311, 408.

The B.A. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is offered as an interdisciplinary study of significant breadth spanning two classical disciplines. Students electing this major have the potential to realize new opportunities for personal enrichment and career development. However, those students committed to seeking advanced degrees in geology or atmospheric science should pursue the corresponding B.S. degree instead. All Students contemplating any of the curricula described here should thoroughly discuss their options with personnel of the Advisement Services Center (ASC) and a department undergraduate adviser before formal declaration of a specific major.

Students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 in the major, and an overall GPA of 3.25, may apply to the Department Chairperson not later than the end of their junior year to enter the Department Honors Program. Interested students should enroll in Geo 499, Seminar in Geology, in the spring semester of their junior year. In order to graduate with Honors, accepted students must take A Geo 498, Independent Honors Research (3 credits), and complete it with a grade of A or A-, as well as maintaining superior academic performance overall and in the major during their senior year. Proposals for research to be done in A Geo 498 must be approved in writing by the supervising faculty member and the Department Chairperson before the end of the spring semester of the student's junior year. The other three required credits for Departmental Honors will consist of a total of three credits of A Geo 499 Seminar in Geology, one in each of the last three semesters of the degree program.

The combined B.S./M.S. program in geology provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill integrated requirements of undergraduate and master's degree programs from the beginning of the junior year. A carefully designed program can permit a student to earn the B.S. and M.S. degrees within ten semesters.

The combined program requires a minimum of 138 credits, of which at least 30 must be graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.S., students must meet all University and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major described previously, the minimum 60-credit liberal arts and sciences requirement, general educational requirements, and residency requirements. In qualifying for the M.S., students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, professional experience, and residency requirements. Up to 12 graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both the B.S. and M.S. programs.

The following graduate courses may be substituted for required undergraduate courses: A Geo 512 for A Geo 412, A Geo 515 for A Geo 415, A Geo 517 for A Geo 470, A Geo 535 for A Geo 435, A Geo 545 for A Geo 440Z. A reading knowledge of a foreign language useful in the study of geology (French, German, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese) must be demonstrated before completion of the program, or satisfactory proficiency in a research skill such as computer programming may be substituted for the language requirement at the discretion of the department.

Students are considered as undergraduates until completion of 120 graduation credits and satisfactory completion of all B.S. requirements. Upon meeting B.S. requirements, students accepted into the combined B.S./M.S. program are automatically considered as graduate students.

Students may apply for admission to the combined degree program in geology at the beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits, but no later than the accumulation of 100 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration.

A Geo 100N Planet Earth (3)
general education: NS
Introduction to the Geological Sciences, including evidence for the major processes and significant events in the origin, history and present condition of the solid Earth. Major topics include geological time, earthquakes, volcanism, plate tectonics and the origin and movement of continents and oceans, mountain building, evidence for past climate change, including glaciation, formation of the earth-moon system, earth resources and geological constraints and consequences of energy use. Emphasis is placed on understanding why we think we know things about the Earth, to enable the student to understand common features of rocks and minerals and the larger-scale solid Earth, and to provide a lifetime background for making informed judgments on increasing number of public issues requiring geological knowledge. Fall and spring semesters.

A Geo 100F Planet Earth (3)
general education: NS & WI
A Geo 100F is the writing intensive version of A Geo 100N; only one may be taken for credit. Fall semester only.

A Geo 105N Environmental Geology (3)
general education: NS if taken fall 1997 or thereafter
Introduction to and survey of the geological aspects of the environment, health and disease, waste disposal, water, mineral and energy resources and conservation, land reclamation, land-use planning, and geological hazards. Important scientific principles necessary for the understanding of the geological aspects of environment problems will be emphasized. Three lectures each week. Fall semester only.

A Geo 106 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
Elementary classification of minerals and rocks, and their identification in hand specimen. Introduction to geological maps and sections, both as sources of geological information and as aids in the solution of practical problems. Guided and self-guided field trips to building stones of downtown Albany. This course is required for majors in Geology and Earth Science. One lab each week. Corequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N. Fall and spring semesters.

A Geo 190N Earth Resources: Problems and Choices (3)
general education: NS
Exponential growth of the human population along with the demand for improvements in the quality of life are causing Earth's resources to decline and global pollution to rise. The pro's and con's of various energy sources (e.g., nuclear fission, solar, hydroelectric, burning of fossil fuels), as well as the demand of strategic metals, will be examined from a geochemical perspectives. Optional field trips occur for extra credit. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or A Chm 120N & 121N or A Phy 105N & 106 or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 201 (= A Gog 201) Environmental Analysis (3)
Uses laboratory work and local field excursions to give students "hands-on" experience in physical geography and environmental sciences. Focuses on human impacts on the environment and on problems of environmental contamination. Prerequisite or corequisite: A Gog 101N.

A Geo 210 Mineralogy (4)
Crystal structures and crystal chemistry, with emphasis on the major rock- and soil-forming mineral groups. Selected minerals of commercial importance. Examples of mineral- forming processes, and use of mineral properties as indicators of geological conditions. Three lectures, one lab each week. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N, 106; or permission of instructor. Fall semester only.

A Geo 211 Optical Mineralogy Laboratory (1)
Introduction to the petrographic microscope. Optical properties of minerals and their use for mineral identification. One lab each week. Corequisite(s): A Geo 210 or permission of instructor. Fall semester only.

A Geo 222 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology (4)
Description, classification, and occurrence of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Introduction to phase diagrams, metamorphic facies, and petrogenetic grids. Laboratory section will involve practical identification of mineralogy and textures in hand specimens and thin sections. Three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N, 106, 210, 211; or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 230 Stratigraphy (3)
Stratigraphic principles and correlation, identification and classification of sedimentary rocks, introduction to paleontology and historical geology. Three lectures and one lab each week. Offered fall semester only. Geology BS and Earth Science BS majors must also register concurrently for either A Geo 231 or A Geo 231Z, Field Excursions in Stratigraphy. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N, 106; or permission of instructor. Fall semester only.

A Geo 231 Field Excursions for Stratigraphy (2)
One lab per week and five full-day weekend field trips to be taken by Geology BS and Earth Science BS majors concurrently with A Geo 230 Stratigraphy. Corequisite(s): A Geo 230 or permission of instructor.

A Geo 231Z Field Excursions for Stratigraphy (2)
general education: WI
One lab per week and five full-day weekend field trips to be taken by Geology and Earth Science BS majors concurrently with A Geo 230 Stratigraphy. Extended written and illustrated reports must be submitted based on the observations made on each trip. A Geo 231Z is the writing intensive version of A Geo 231; only one may be taken for credit. Corequisite(s): A Geo 230 or permission of instructor.

A Geo 315 (= A Ant 310) Human Paleontology (3)
Examination of the human fossil record, and of the major theories dealing with that fossil record. Prerequisite: A Ant 102 or A Geo 230 or 230Z or permission of the instructor.

A Geo 317 (= A Gog 317) Geomorphology (3)
A systematic introduction to the study of landforms and the processes that shape them. Laboratory work and field trips are part of the course. Prerequisite(s): A Gog 101N; A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N; or permission of instructor. Fall semester only. May not be offered during 2000-2001.

A Geo 330 Structural Geology I (3)
Descriptive structural geology, with emphasis on features seen at outcrop and map scales. Selected examples of rock microstructures and their interpretation. Three lectures each week. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F, 105N, 106. Spring semester only.

A Geo 331 Field Excursions for Structural Geology I (1)
Five full-day weekend field trips to be taken by Geology and Earth Science BS majors concurrently with Structural Geology I. Several written and illustrated reports must be submitted based on the observations made. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor; corequisite: A Geo 330.

A Geo 332 Structural Geology Laboratory (1)
Structures on maps, on images, and in rock specimens; computer-based presentation of data. One lab each week. Corequisite(s): A Geo 330. Spring semester only.

A Geo 335 Sedimentary Geology (3)
Introduction to the formation, physical properties, and geochemistry of sedimentary rocks and environments. Clastic carbonate, and chemical sediment analysis, mineralogy, and diagenesis. Economic, paleoclimatic, and resource aspects of sedimentary deposits. Three lectures per week, with separate class (A Geo 336) for lab. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N, 100F or 105N, 106; or permission of instructor. Fall semester only.

A Geo 336 Laboratory for Sedimentary Geology (1)
Laboratory class for A Geo 335 (Sedimentary Geology). Laboratory exercises coordinated with the course content of Geo 335. Primarily intended for Geology and Earth Science B.S. majors. May include one or two field trips with required attendance, held on weekends. Corequisite: A Geo 335. Fall semester only.

A Geo 395Z Writing in the Geological Sciences (1)
May be taken with any Geo course at the 300 or 400 level to fulfill a writing intensive version of that course. Students will have an opportunity for assistance during writing and revision of written material with the help of editorial assignments from the instructor. Corequisite(s): any A Geo 300 or 400 level course. Fall and spring semesters.

A Geo 400 Field Mapping (4)
Supervised geological mapping. Three weeks of field work (camping in the field) followed by independent study and laboratory sessions for preparation of report (in Albany). Field work starts in early August; laboratory sessions once a week in first quarter of fall semester. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 230 or 230Z, 330; or permission of instructor.

A Geo 412 General Geochemistry (3)
Origins and histories of major geochemical systems and processes on Earth, including: a) planetary-scale differentiation and origins of the core, mantle, crust, atmosphere/hydrosphere; b) magmatism and igneous rocks; c) chemistry of sedimentary rocks and biosphere; and d) fluid/rock reactions during metamorphism. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N, 106, 230 or 230Z; A Chm 120N or 121N; or permission of instructor. To be offered alternate years, alternating with A Geo 415. Spring semester only.

A Geo 415 Environmental Geochemistry (3)
Industrial pollution and fossil fuel waste-products are major sources of biotoxic and phytotoxic heavy metals (e.g., As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl) in the environment. The mobilities and pathways of these elements into-and-through soil and groundwater are examined. To be offered alternate years, alternating with A Geo 412. Prerequisite(s): A Chm 120N or the historical trends Prerequisite(s): A Geo 100N or 100F or 105N, 106; A Chm 120N or 121N; or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 416 Laboratory for Environmental Chemistry (1)
Analytical methods and sampling strategies for tracing the historical trends of heavy metal fluxes in specific geographic regions. Corequisite(s): A Geo 415. One two-hour lab per week. Spring semester only.

A Geo 435 Geohydrology (3)
Classification, origin and properties of surficial materials; sampling and exploration methods; groundwater and hydrologic properties; groundwater flow systems and introduction to modeling; hydrochemistry, geological factors in remediation and regulatory policy; laboratory exercises in surficial well logging and pump test analysis with brief research papers. One or two optional half-day field trips. Spring semester only. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 335 or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 450 Special Topics (2-3)
A structured program of reading and seminars leading to an in-depth understanding of a chosen topic in geology. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 210, 230 or 230Z. Students may repeat course once for an additional two or three credits. Fall or spring semester.

A Geo 470 Tectonics (4)
Seismologic basis for plate tectonics, kinematics of plate motions, paleomagnetism. Study of modern mid-ocean ridges, magmatic arcs, transforms, and collisional belts. Three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 230 or 230Z, 330; or permission of instructor. Fall semester only.

A Geo 480 World Historical Geology (3)
Integrated survey of the geologic history of the earth. Three lectures each week. A Geo 480Z is the writing intensive version of A Geo 480; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 230 or 230Z, 330, or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 480Z World Historical Geology (3)
A Geo 480Z is the writing intensive version of A Geo 480; only one may be taken for credit. Three lectures each week. Prerequisite(s): A Geo 230 or 230Z, 330, or permission of instructor. Spring semester only.

A Geo 497 Independent Study (1-3)
Field or laboratory investigation of a chosen geologic problem, including the writing of a research report to be undertaken during the senior year. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. Students may repeat this course once for additional credits. Fall or spring semesters.

A Geo 498 Undergraduate Honors Research (3)
Supervised research for undergraduates admitted to the Department Honors Program. To be taken summer and/or fall semester at beginning of senior year. Written proposal for research must be approved no later than end of spring semester of junior year. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and chair. Fall and spring semesters.

A Geo 499 Seminar in Geology (1)
Oral presentation by students of a research topic: attendance at weekly seminar given by other students in this course, and A Geo 500, and regular attendance at geological science seminars given by outside speakers [approximately once weekly in semester]. Students admitted to the Departmental Honors Program must take this course in the last three semesters of their degree program. Fall and spring semesters.

Graduates obtain employment in weather forecasting, environmental engineering, radio and TV broadcasting, scientific consulting, and other private firms; in university departments and research laboratories; and in federal and state agencies such as the National Weather Service, U.S. Air Force, and State Department of Energy Conservation. About half our graduates choose to go on to graduate school for an advanced degree. (The department offers full financial support and a complete tuition waiver to most students accepted into our graduate program.)

General Program B.S.: A combined major and minor sequence including A Atm 210 (or 210Z), 211, 320, 321, 333, 410, 411; at least 12 additional credits from A Atm 307 (or 307Z) and higher level courses as advised; A Phy 140, 145, 150, 240; A Mat 111 or 112 or 118, 113 or 119, 214, 311; A Chm 120N, 122A. No more than 6 credits from A Atm 490, 497, 498 or 499 may be applied toward the major requirements; further, a maximum of 3 credits from A Atm 490 will apply.

A solid foundation in physics and mathematics is recommended for all students planning to major in atmospheric science. It is recommended that all students considering this major meet with a representative of the department before each of the freshman and sophomore registration sessions.

Students who have by the end of their fourth semester attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and a grade point average of at least 3.5 in courses required of the major in atmospheric science may apply to the department chair for the program leading to a B.S. degree with honors in atmospheric science. Applications must be submitted before the end of the first semester of the student's junior year and must be accompanied by letters of recommendation from at least two faculty members.

To be admitted to the program, a student must have completed three semesters of physics (A Phy 140, 145, 150, 240), three semesters of mathematics (A Mat 111 or 112 or 118, 113 or 119, 214), and must be enrolled in or have completed A Atm 333. These requirements may be altered, upon request, for qualified transfer students. At the end of the junior year, the student's program will be reviewed by the Honors Committee to see if satisfactory progress is being made.

To be eligible for a degree with honors, students must complete a minimum of 74 credits specified as follows: (1) the physics, mathematics, and chemistry requirements of the major; (2) the core sequence in atmospheric science (A Atm 210 or 210Z, 211, 320, 321, 333, 410 and 411) plus any three A Atm courses at the 400 or 500 level; (3) a coherent core of three upper-division courses in any discipline besides atmospheric science; and (4) 6 credits of A Atm 499 taken over at least two semesters culminating in a significant undergraduate thesis and an honors seminar in the student's final semester. Students in the program must maintain both a minimum grade point average of 3.25 overall and 3.5 in atmospheric science courses taken to satisfy major requirements during the junior and senior years.

Upon completion of the requirements, the honors committee will make its recommendation to the faculty to grant the degree with honors in atmospheric science based upon the candidate's (1) academic record, (2) research project report, (3) honors seminar, and (4) faculty recommendations.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): A minimum of 56-60 credits for the combined major and minor including: A Phy 105, 106, 108, 109; A Mat 101, 108, 111; A Chm 120N; A Geo 100N or 105N, 106, 190N or A Gog 101N; A Atm 100N or 102, 210, 211; two courses from A Gog 304, 385, 431, 496; a total of at least 12 credits from the following, including at least one course from each discipline: A Geo 330, 335, 415, 435, and A Atm 304, 305, 307, 311, 408.

The B.A. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is offered as an interdisciplinary study of significant breadth spanning two classical disciplines. Students electing this major have the potential to realize new opportunities for personal enrichment and career development. However, those students committed to seeking advanced degrees in the geological or atmospheric sciences should pursue the corresponding B.S. degree instead. All students contemplating any of the curricula described here should thoroughly discuss their options with personnel of the Advisement Services Center (ASC) and a department undergraduate adviser before formal declaration of a specific major.

The combined B.S./M.S. program in atmospheric science provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill simultaneously undergraduate and graduate course requirements in their senior year, thereby accelerating progress toward the M.S. degree. A carefully designed program can permit a student to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees one year sooner than is otherwise possible.

The combined program requires a minimum of 138 credits, of which at least 30 must be graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.S., students must meet all University and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major described previously, the minimum 60-credit liberal arts and sciences requirement, the general education requirements, and residency requirements. In qualifying for the M.S., students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, professional experience, and residency requirements. Up to 9 graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both the B.S. and M.S. programs.

In the summer following the senior year, the student will begin work on his or her graduate research. In preparation for this accelerated research program, the student will be required to take two semesters (6 credits) of A Atm 499, Undergraduate Research, during the junior or senior year. These 6 credits may be counted toward the undergraduate elective requirement from either of the following requirements: (1) from any four additional A Atm courses at the 400 or 500 level as advised or (2) from 6 additional credits in mathematics or sciences as advised.

Students are considered as undergraduates until completion of 120 graduation credits and satisfactory completion of all B.S. requirements. Upon meeting B.S. requirements, students are automatically considered as graduate students.

Students may apply for admission to the combined degree program in atmospheric science at the beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits, but not later than the accumulation of 100 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration.

A Atm 100N The Atmosphere (3)
general education: NS
Non-technical survey of the atmosphere; the physical environment of society and its historical development; intentional and unintentional modifications of the environment; cloud types and structure; severe storms; weather forecasting; air pollution; major wind and weather systems. Does not yield credit toward the major in atmospheric science. Two lectures, one-two-hour discussion each week. May not be taken for credit by students with credit for A Atm 210 or 210Z or 320. Fall and spring semesters.

A Atm 101N The Upper Atmosphere (3)
general education: NS
Elementary survey of the properties and geophysical phenomena of the upper atmosphere; ionosphere, magnetosphere, and interplanetary space, ionospheric and magnetic storms; aurora and airglow; observational techniques including rockets and satellites. Does not yield credit toward the B.S. in atmospheric science. Two lectures, one two-hour discussion each week. May not be offered during 2001-2002.

A Atm 102N Science and Major Environmental Issues (3)
general education: NS
Study of the role of science in creating, defining, evaluating, and resolving major issues relating to energy production and its use and impact on the physical environments; case studies of such issues as change in climate, air pollution, the fluorocarbon/ozone link, etc. Three lectures each week. Does not yield credit toward the B.S. in atmospheric science. Spring semester only.