Geosciences College of Science and Engineering Dean: Sheldon Axler Department of Geosciences 509 Thnton Hall (15) 338-2061 Fax: (15) 338-7705 Chair: Oswaldo Garcia Graduate Codinats: Grove (Geology) and Monteverdi (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences) Credential Adviser: Caskey Faculty Professs Dempsey, Garcia, Garfield, Grove, Monteverdi, Mustart, Pestrong, White Associate Professs Caskey Assistant Professs Leech, Sklar Adjunct Faculty Abrams, Blier, Campbell, Felton, Knox, Null, Roopnarine, Roush, Tang Programs B.A. in Earth Sciences B.S. in Geology B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Concentration in Meteology B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Concentration in Oceanography Min in Earth Sciences M.S. in Applied Geosciences Affiliations The Department of Geosciences is a University Cpation f Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Affiliate.
Program Scope The Department of Geosciences offers three undergraduate degree programs and a min program spanning the geosciences (that is, earth sciences), including geology, atmospheric sciences (including meteology), and oceanography. It also offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science in Applied Geosciences. The B.S. in Geology provides rigous professional education and training in geology with a strong emphasis on investigations in the field (that is, outdos). It also provides excellent preparation f graduate wk in geology. The B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences includes a Concentration in Meteology that provides modern professional education and training in meteology, including weather fecasting, and preparation f graduate wk in atmospheric sciences. A Concentration in Oceanography provides analogous preparation in oceanography. The B.A. in Earth Sciences provides a broad, flexible, integrated background in the earth sciences. The Min in Earth Sciences does the same on a smaller scale and can complement a variety of other majs. The M.S. in Applied Geosciences provides education and training in research in the geosciences in close collabation with a faculty advis, with emphasis on applied problems in the San Francisco Bay region. Career Outlook Geoscience investigations lead to new discoveries of useful earth materials, solutions to environmental problems, and insights into earth processes that affect people s lives. Geoscientists contribute basic infmation to society f analyzing and solving problems and establishing policy f managing resources, protecting the environment, and assessing natural hazards. Dwindling energy, mineral, and water resources, and increasing environmental concern about issues such as global warming and its impacts, present challenges that create a demand f geoscientific expertise. Graduates in geology, meteology, and oceanography may pursue a wide range of careers in the earth sciences and related fields. Geologists currently find the greatest opptunities in the broad areas of environmental/engineering geology, including such specializations as surface and groundwater hydrogeology, geotechnical studies aimed at locating and remediating toxic sites, earthquake and landslide hazard assessment, and site evaluation f urban planning construction. There also continue to be positions available in petroleum geology and minerals explation. A shtage of certified high school and middle school science teachers has placed qualified teachers in high demand. Meteologists will find opptunities in sht- and longrange weather fecasting, air pollution assessment, wind energy assessment, global climate change research, and broadcast meteology. F most types of jobs, the strongest candidates will have a master's degree, several years of field experience, and an interdisciplinary background with strong chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer skills. Geologists and meteologists are employed by a large number of government agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, National Weather Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Califnia Division of Mines and Geology, Bureau of Land Management, Army Cps of Engineers, and U.S. Fest Service. Many geologists and
some meteologists in the San Francisco Bay Area wk f environmental consulting firms, and some meteologists become broadcast meteologists wking f local television and radio stations. In addition to preparing students f advanced wk as professional geologists, meteologists, and oceanographers, the M.S. in Applied Geosciences qualifies students to teach at community colleges and prepares others to continue their graduate education in doctal programs leading to careers in university teaching and research. UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN GEOSCIENCES The B.A. in Earth Sciences, B.S. in Geology, B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Min in Earth Sciences are described and their requirements summarized below. Course descriptions are available online. Advising. The Department of Geosciences requires that declared majs consult with an advis every semester, and prospective majs should consult with an advis as early as possible, particularly about selecting courses in the General Education program that best fit the maj program. Students will also be advised about completing basic science requirements befe taking upper division courses in geosciences, and about the der in which required courses should best be taken. Students interested in preparing to teach high school middle school earth sciences and integrated science should consult the credential adviser in the Department of Geosciences because specific courses beyond the Department s degree programs are required. BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EARTH SCIENCES The Bachel of Arts in Earth Sciences builds a solid conceptual foundation of basic physical sciences, mathematics, and earth sciences (that is, geology, meteology, and oceanography). It then helps students to integrate knowledge of these separate disciplines in ways needed to understand and help solve imptant interdisciplinary problems, such as slowing and adapting to climate change and managing conflicting demands that humans make on the natural environment. It also helps prepare students to advise and educate others about issues requiring knowledge of how the earth wks. Beyond the basic foundation, students have great flexibility to adapt the program to satisfy many possible interests in the earth sciences and prepare f any of a variety of careers where a background in the earth sciences would be beneficial. Some career possibilities include: high school and middle school science teaching; technical suppt f firms engaged in environmental engineering, environmental moniting and protection, natural resource analysis and management, hazardous materials and ecological remediation, computer mapping, etc.; technical suppt to city, county, state, and other governmental agencies charged with land use and other planning; preparation f graduate education in such fields as resource management, environmental public policy, and environmental law; science writing, editing, and librarianship;
interpretation f park systems, nature centers, museums, and other areas requiring natural science field skills and natural histy communication skills; business and entrepreneurism. Prospective majs are encouraged to consult with an advis in the Department of Geosciences to learn about graduation requirements and to plan a program adapted to their particular interests. Students interested in preparing to teach high school middle school earth sciences and integrated science should consult the teaching credential adviser in the Department of Geosciences, because the Department s single-subject subject-matter teacher preparation program in geosciences (http://tnado.sfsu.edu/geosciences/geosciences_docs/undergradprograms/singlesubjectcred. html) requires several courses in addition to those required f the B.A. in Earth Sciences. Course and Unit Requirements f B.A. in Earth Sciences Basic Science and Math Foundation GEOL 125 MATH 226 Calculus I PHYS 111/112 PHYS 220/222 Quantitative Geology General Physics I/Labaty (3/1) General Physics with Calculus I/Labaty (3/1) CHEM 115 General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry 5 Chemistry, physics, mathematics elective (may not be a course intended primarily to satisfy a General Education requirement) 3 Basic science and math foundation total 16 Earth Sciences Foundation OCN 102/103 Introduction to Oceanography/Labaty (3/1) GEOL 110 Physical Geology GEOL 115 Earth and Life through Time GEOL 120 Introduction to Geologic Techniques 2 METR/OCN 200 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean I 3 METR/OCN 201 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean II 3 GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change Earth sciences foundation total 2 Earth Sciences Electives 1. select at least 12 units of geology, meteology, and/ oceanography courses numbered 00 higher 2. selected courses must be ganized around a coherent theme approved by an advis Earth sciences electives total 12 Total f the maj 52
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY The Bachel of Science in Geology is designed f students intending to prepare f graduate school in geology f direct entry into a career as a professional geologist in industry government. The Geology maj provides students with a fundamental background in the physical sciences and many areas of geology necessary f an in-depth comprehension of the subject. Entry to the maj presupposes pri course wk comprising the high school equivalents of two years of algebra, one year of plane geometry, one-half year of trigonometry, and one year of physics and/ chemistry. Course and Unit Requirements f B.S. in Geology Basic Science and Mathematics CHEM 115 General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry 5 CHEM 215/216 General Chemistry II: Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts/Labaty (3/2) 5 MATH 226 Calculus I GEOL 125 MATH 227 Quantitative Geology Calculus II PHYS 111/112 PHYS 220/222 PHYS 121/122 PHYS 20/22 General Physics I/Labaty (3/1) General Physics with Calculus I/Labaty (3/1) General Physics II/ Labaty (3/1) General Physics with Calculus III/Labaty (3/1) Total basic science and mathematics requirements 26 Basic Geology Ce GEOL 110 Physical Geology GEOL 115 Earth and Life through Time GEOL 120 Geologic Techniques and Problem Solving 2 GEOL 20 Mineralogy and Petrology I GEOL 30 Structural Geology GEOL 60 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy GEOL 695 Field Methods in Geology 2 Total basic geology ce requirements 2 Advanced Geology Ce 1. complete at least 7 units 2. select at least one quantitative course** GEOL 26 Mineralogy and Petrology II GEOL 50 Geomphology** GEOL 52 Coastal Processes 3 GEOL 75 Hydrogeology** GEOL 67 Marine Geology 3 GEOL 80 Geochemistry** Total advanced geology ce requirements 7
Capstone (complete at least units) A field geology course from another university (see http://tnado.sfsu.edu/geosciences/fieldgeology.html f examples) -6 GEOL 697 Undergraduate Research 2 GEOL 698 Seni Research and Thesis 2 Total capstone requirement Electives (On advisement, complete at least 8 units of courses numbered 00 higher in geology [ a closely related field], such as courses listed below not already selected from the advanced geology ce capstone.) GEOL 00 Physical Geology in the Field 1 GEOL 02 Coastal Geology in the Field 1 GEOL/METR/ OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change GEOL 10 Volcanology 3 GEOL 15 Computer Techniques in Geology 2 GEOL 0 Paleontology 3 GEOL 5 Quaternary Climate and Soils 3 GEOL 62 Geology of Hydrocarbons 3 GEOL 70 Neotectonics 3 GEOL 7 Engineering Geology 3 GEOL 76 Groundwater Contamination 3 GEOL 85 Ore Deposits GEOL 590 Seminar in Geosciences 2 GEOL 62 Watershed Assessment and Restation GEOL 699 Special Study 1-3 OCN 65 Physical Oceanography 3 METR 07 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Ocean 3 Total electives requirement 8 Total maj requirement 69 Recommended Emphases (Students should select courses upon advisement from the advanced geology ce and from electives to create a coherent emphasis. We recommend one of the examples below.) Sedimentary and Coastal Processes GEOL 26 Mineralogy and Petrology II GEOL 50 Geomphology GEOL 52 Coastal Processes 3 GEOL 67 Marine Geology 3 GEOL 75 Hydrogeology GEOL 80 Geochemistry OCN 65 Physical Oceanography 3 Petrology and Tectonics GEOL 10 Volcanology 3 GEOL 26 Mineralogy and Petrology II
GEOL 70 Neotectonics 3 GEOL 80 Geochemistry GEOL 85 Ore Deposits 3 Surficial and Environmental Geology GEOL 50 Geomphology GEOL 5 Quaternary Climate and Soils 3 GEOL 70 Neotectonics 3 GEOL 7 Engineering Geology 3 GEOL 75 Hydrogeology GEOL 76 Groundwater Contamination 3 GEOL 80 Geochemistry Climate Change GEOL 05 Planetary Climate Change GEOL 50 Geomphology GEOL 52 Coastal Processes 3 GEOL 5 Quaternary Climate and Soils 3 GEOL 67 Marine Geology 3 GEOL 80 Geochemistry Energy and Natural Resources GEOL 26 Mineralogy and Petrology II GEOL 62 Geology of Hydrocarbons 3 GEOL 76 Marine Geology 3 GEOL 80 Geochemistry GEOL 85 Ore Deposits BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCES The Bachel of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences includes a Concentration in Meteology and a Concentration in Oceanography, which share a common, interdisciplinary ce built on principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, as well as fundamental concepts in meteology and oceanography. The Meteology Concentration adheres to guidelines f B.S. programs in Meteology issued by the American Meteological Society. It prepares students f graduate education in meteology and f a variety of careers, including weather fecasting f the National Weather Service private industry, broadcast meteology, and environmental analysis and consulting across a broad range of applications such as air quality, wind power, fensic meteology, natural hazards, and climate change. Similarly, the Oceanography Concentration prepares students f graduate education in oceanography and f a variety of careers in applied oceanography. F students interested in becoming a broadcast meteologist, the B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Concentration in Meteology satisfies one requirement of the American Meteological Society s Certified Broadcast Meteologist (CBM) program. (See http://www.ametsoc.g/amscert/ f me infmation about the CBM program.)
The Concentration in Meteology covers ce topics including the thermodynamics of air, cloud physics, atmospheric radiation, dynamic meteology, the analysis and fecasting of weather, climate change, and weather instruments, as well as elective topics such as fecasting weather f the public, severe stms, numerical weather prediction, air-sea interactions such as the El Niño phenomenon, and advanced analysis and fecasting of weather, particularly on the West Coast. The Concentration in Oceanography covers ce topics including physical oceanography, air-sea interactions, marine geology, and chemical oceanography, as well as elective topics in biological oceanography, meteology, coastal processes, etc. We encourage students to seek internship opptunities, f which credit is granted through METR 69 ( Cooperative Education in Meteology ). We also recommend that students interested in preparing f graduate school complete 1-3 units of METR/OCN 697 ( Seni Project ) METR/OCN 699 ( Special Study ) during the seni year, under the direction of a faculty advis. (METR 69, METR/OCN 697 and METR/OCN 699 do not count toward degree requirements.) Course and Unit Requirements f B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Science and Mathematics Foundation Chemistry CHEM 115 General Chemistry I: Essential Concepts of Chemistry 5 Computer Science METR/OCN 206 Use of Computers in Meteology and Oceanography 2 Mathematics MATH 226 Calculus I MATH 227 Calculus II MATH 228 Calculus III MATH 25 Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra 3 MATH 32 Probability and Statistics with Computing 3 Physics PHYS 220/222 General Physics with Calculus I/Labaty (3/1) PHYS 230/232 PHYS 20/22 General Physics with Calculus II/ Labaty (3/1) General Physics with Calculus III/ Labaty (3/1) Total science and mathematics foundation requirements 33 Meteology and Oceanography Ce METR/OCN 200 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean I 3 METR/OCN 201 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean I 3 METR/OCN 0 GEOL/METR/ OCN 05 METR/OCN 06 Meteological and Oceanographic Observing Techniques and Systems Planetary Climate Change Computer Programming with Applications in Meteology and Oceanography 2 3
METR/OCN 07 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Ocean 3 Total meteology and oceanography ce requirements 18 B. S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Concentration in Meteology Meteology Required Courses METR 00 Weather Chart Analysis and Discussion 1 METR 01 Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Cloud Physics METR 02 Atmospheric Dynamics I METR 03 Weather Analysis and Fecasting I METR 502 Atmospheric Dynamics II 2 METR 595 Professional Writing in Meteology 1 Total meteology requirements 16 Meteology Electives (select at least 3 units) METR/OCN 20 Air-Sea Interactions (3) OCN 65 Physical Oceanography (3) METR 85 Consulting Meteology (3) METR 503 Weather Analysis and Fecasting II (2) METR 506 Numerical Weather Fecasting (2) METR 515 Analysis and Prediction of Severe Stms (3) METR 698 Public Weather Fecasting (1-3) Total meteology electives 3+ Total f Meteology Concentration 19 Total f Science and Mathematics Foundation (from above) 33 Total f Meteology and Oceanography Ce (from above) 18 Total f maj 70 B. S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Concentration in Oceanography Oceanography Required Courses METR/OCN 20 Air-Sea Interactions 3 OCN 65 Physical Oceanography 3 Select one of the following two options: Option 1 (3 units): CHEM 677 Chemical Oceanography 3 Option 2 (7 units total): GEOL 110 and GEOL 67 Physical Geology ( units) and Marine Geology (3 units) 7 Total oceanography requirements 9 13 Oceanography Electives (select from the course(s) not selected from the options above and/ from the list below, upon advisement, so that elective and required oceanography courses total at least 18 units) BIOL 230 Introducty Biology I (5) BIOL 20 Introducty Biology II (5)
BIOL 582 Biological Oceanography () BIOL 535 Remote Sensing of Wetlands and Coastal Zones () ENVS 50 Environmental Law and Policy (3) GEOL 52 Coastal Processes (3) GEOL 02 Coastal Geology in the Field (1) METR 01 Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Cloud Physics () METR 02 Atmospheric Dynamics I () METR 506 Numerical Weather Prediction (2) PHYS 95 Introduction to Apparatus Fabrication (1) Total oceanography electives 9 5 Total f Oceanography Concentration 18 Total f Science and Mathematics Foundation 33 (from above) Total f Meteology and Oceanography Ce 18 (from above) Total f maj 69 MINOR IN EARTH SCIENCES The min comprises 20 units, including GEOL 110 ( Physical Geology ), GEOL/METR/OCN 05 ( Planetary Climate Change ), and 12 units of geosciences electives. (See program requirements below f restrictions.) Students may complete one of the recommended focus areas listed below create a coherent alternative designed to complement their maj program (such as Anthropology, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geography, Physics). All students must meet with a Department of Geosciences faculty advis to plan a course sequence and subsequently meet with an advis each semester. Course and Unit Requirements f Min in Earth Sciences Geosciences Requirements GEOL 110 Physical Geology GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change Geosciences Electives 1. Complete 12 units of selected geology, meteology, and/ oceanography courses in consultation with a Department of Geosciences faculty advis. 2. At least 6 of the 12 units must be upper division, and no me than 3 of the 6 upper 12 division units can be f General Education courses. 3. At least 3 of the 12 units must be f courses numbered 00 higher. Total units required f the min 20 Recommended Focus Areas Geology Focus GEOL 110 Physical Geology GEOL 115 Earth and Life Through Time GEOL 120 Introduction to Geologic Techniques 2
GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change Electives Upper division geosciences courses (minimum 3 units at 00 level higher; no me than 3 units may be f GE courses) 6 Total units 20 Environmental Geology Focus GEOL 110 Physical Geology GEOL 270 Environmental Geology GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change GEOL 50 Geomphology GEOL 75 Hydrogeology Total units 20 Ocean Science Focus GEOL 110 Physical Geology OCN 102 Introduction to Oceanography 3 OCN 103 Introduction to Oceanography Labaty 1 GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change GEOL 52 Coastal Processes 3 GEOL 67 Marine Geology 3 Electives Upper division geosciences coursewk 2 Total units 20 Weather and Climate Focus GEOL 110 Physical Geology METR/OCN 200 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean I 3 METR/OCN 201 Physical Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean II 3 METR 356 Califnia Weather Events 3 GEOL/METR/OCN 05 Planetary Climate Change GEOL 5 Quaternary Climate and Soils 3 Total units 20 GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GEOSCIENCES MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences is an advanced, postgraduate degree that prepares students f careers in private industry, government, teaching in community colleges, f continuing postgraduate studies leading to a doctal degree at another university. The graduate program also provides an opptunity f practicing geoscientists to update and upgrade their disciplinary knowledge and skills. There are no fmal concentrations within the program, but students choose an area of research from within the fields of the geologic, atmospheric, oceanographic sciences. During the application process, students must select a course of study, in consultation with the graduate codinat.
The Geosciences Department includes faculty with expertise in geology, meteology, and oceanography fields that are critical to understanding many environmental problems, such as air and water contamination, coastal erosion, and climate change. A maj focus of the graduate program is study of the environment of the San Francisco Bay area. Courses are offered in sedimentology and stratigraphy, landscape evolution, active tectonics, quaternary geology, hydrogeology, groundwater contamination, engineering geology, coastal oceanography, and applied meteology with a coastal emphasis. The program requires that all students complete three ce courses. One of these (GEOL/METR 700) is a multidisciplinary seminar that exposes students to current geoscientific research and literature. The other two ce courses (GEOL/METR 701 and 702) provide students with skills f thesis research and writing. The program emphasizes a rigous grounding in the sciences and, particularly in geology, extensive labaty and field wk. Admission to the Program To be considered f admission to the master's program as a classified graduate student, applicants must: Satisfy the university admission requirements. Have a bachel's degree in one of the geosciences (geology, meteology, oceanography). Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in geosciences and related science and mathematics courses. Satisfactily complete the Graduate Recd Examination general test. Provide letters of recommendation from at least two people familiar with the applicant's previous academic wk and/ professional accomplishments. Submit a statement of purpose. Letters of recommendation and statement of purpose should be submitted directly to the appropriate graduate codinat in the Department of Geosciences. Other materials should be submitted to the Graduate Division of the university. Applicants lacking the appropriate background (i.e., a degree in one of the geosciences) may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students. These students must complete additional course wk that will not be counted toward the graduate requirements. Conditionally admitted students may take courses but cannot file a Graduate Approved Program until any deficiencies have been satisfied. Written English Proficiency Requirement Each graduate student is required to demonstrate an acceptable level of written English proficiency on two levels: Level One: satisfied by demonstrating adequate writing skills in GEOL/METR 701. If remedial wk is necessary, the student will be expected to complete additional course wk in English. Level Two: satisfied by completion of a written thesis (GEOL METR 898).
Advancement to Candidacy To be advanced to candidacy, each student must: Satisfy level one of the written English proficiency requirement. Satisfy all course deficiencies stipulated upon entrance into the master's program. Choose a faculty adviser and complete a research proposal that has been approved by the student's thesis committee. File a Graduate Approved Program. Course and Unit Requirements f M.S. in Applied Geosciences Courses GEOL/METR 700 Research Methods in Applied Geosciences 1 GEOL/METR 701 Seminar in Applied Geosciences 3 GEOL/METR 702 Quantitative Methods in Applied Geosciences 3 GEOL 897 METR/OCN 897 Research Project Research Project 6 GEOL 898 METR/OCN 898 Master's Thesis Master's Thesis Upper division graduate elective courses on advisement 1 Minimum total 30 All students must present an al thesis defense. Elective units are chosen from courses offered by the Department of Geosciences other university departments, and must be selected by students in consultation with their faculty advisers. At least six of these units must be courses numbered 700 higher, and at least six must be courses offered in the Geosciences Department. Some students may choose, with their thesis advisers' approval, to complete thesis research under the auspices of a local governmental agency geoscientific environmental firm. Those who choose this option must still complete all the requirements f a thesis, but do so in the context of an internship relationship with an outside agency. Students can receive their graduate degree when they complete all course requirements and the thesis committee approves the written thesis and al thesis defense. 3