Geoscience B.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Geoscience, B.S.: 120 credits

Concentrations: Geology, Geophysics, Geospatial Sciences, and Paleontology 

Students must earn a C- grade or better in each course.

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the general university requirements.
General Education Requirements
Complete the general education requirements.36-40
As part of the general education requirements, complete the following:
CHEM F105X
General Chemistry I
MATH F251X
Calculus I
B.S. Degree Requirements
Complete the B.S. degree requirements.15
Geoscience Program Requirements
Complete the following:
GEOS F101XThe Dynamic Earth4
GEOS F112XThe History of Earth and Life4
GEOS F309Tectonics3
Concentration
Complete one of the following:58-70
Geology
Geophysics
Geospatial Sciences
Paleontology
Total Credits120-136
Note: Students may not use any F600-level courses for credit toward a graduate program if they have already received F400-level credit for that course in their undergraduate work. 
 

Concentrations

 Geology

Credits
Geology Concentration Requirements
Complete the following:
CHEM F106XGeneral Chemistry II4
GEOS F213Mineralogy4
GEOS F214Petrology and Petrography4
GEOS F225Field and Computer Methods in Geology2
GEOS F304Geomorphology3
GEOS F314Structural Geology4
GEOS F315Paleobiology and Paleontology4
GEOS F322Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
GEOS F413Geology of Alaska2
GEOS F454Field Geology 1, 26
GEOS F482Geoscience Seminar 32
PHYS F123XCollege Physics I4
or PHYS F211X General Physics I
PHYS F124XCollege Physics II4
or PHYS F212X General Physics II
STAT F200XElementary Statistics3
or STAT F300 Statistics
Complete 12 additional credits of upper-division GEOS courses or other upper-division courses approved by the undergraduate advisor, including the following:12
GEOS F483
Research Design, Writing and Presentation Methods
Total Credits62
1

GEOS F454 is offered by UAF every other summer. Students may substitute a field geology class at another institution for this requirement. A substitution must be at least 6 credits.The geosciences undergraduate advisor will assist students in placement in an approved field geology class.

2

Fulfills the baccalaureate capstone requirement.

3

To be taken twice, for 2 credits total, to complete degree requirements.

Geophysics

Credits
Geophysics Concentration Requirements
Complete the following:
ESS F492PSeminar1
GEOS F406Volcanology3
GEOS F415Permafrost3
GEOS F419Solid Earth Geophysics3
GEOS F431Foundations of Geophysics4
GEOS F436Programming and Automation for Geoscientists2
GEOS F483Research Design, Writing and Presentation Methods3
GEOS F488Undergraduate Research 22
GEOS F489PTopics in Geophysics1
MATH F252XCalculus II4
MATH F253XCalculus III4
MATH F302Differential Equations3
MATH F314Linear Algebra3
PHYS F211XGeneral Physics I4
PHYS F212XGeneral Physics II4
PHYS F213XElementary Modern Physics4
PHYS F220Introduction to Computational Physics4
Complete 6 credits in Geosciences (GEOS) at the F200 level or higher6
Total Credits58
2

Fulfills the baccalaureate capstone requirement.

Geospatial Sciences

Credits
Geospatial Sciences Concentration Requirements
Complete the following:
CHEM F106XGeneral Chemistry II4
GEOS F102XWicked Maps for Wicked Problems: Geographic Information Systems Across Disciplines4
GEOS F213Mineralogy4
GEOS F214Petrology and Petrography4
GEOS F225Field and Computer Methods in Geology2
GEOS F304Geomorphology3
GEOS F314Structural Geology4
GEOS F322Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
GEOS F422Geoscience Applications of Remote Sensing3
GEOS F454Field Geology 1,26
NRM F338Introduction to Geographic Information Systems3
PHYS F123XCollege Physics I4
or PHYS F211X General Physics I
PHYS F124XCollege Physics II4
or PHYS F212X General Physics II
STAT F200XElementary Statistics3
or STAT F300 Statistics
Geospatial Science Electives
Complete 16-18 credits from the following, with at least 9 credits being upper division16-18
CS F480
Topics in Computer Science
GEOS F315
Paleobiology and Paleontology
GEOS F436
Programming and Automation for Geoscientists
GEOS F458
Big Geospatial Data
GEOS F483
Research Design, Writing and Presentation Methods
GEOS F488
Undergraduate Research
NRM F435
GIS Analysis
NRM F638
GIS Programming
PHYS F301
Introduction to Mathematical Physics
PHYS F471M
Advanced Topics in Physics I: Machine Learning and Applications
STAT F401
Regression and Analysis of Variance
Or other advisor-approved electives
Total Credits68-70
1

GEOS F454 is offered at UAF during the summer. Students may substitute a field geology class at another institution for this requirement. A substitution be at least 6 credits. The geosciences undergraduate advisor will assist students in placement in an approved field geology class.

2

Fulfills the baccalaureate capstone requirement.

Paleontology

Credits
Paleontology Concentration Requirements
Complete the following:
CHEM F106XGeneral Chemistry II4
GEOS F213Mineralogy4
GEOS F214Petrology and Petrography4
GEOS F225Field and Computer Methods in Geology2
GEOS F304Geomorphology3
GEOS F314Structural Geology4
GEOS F315Paleobiology and Paleontology4
GEOS F322Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
GEOS F454Field Geology 1, 26
PHYS F123XCollege Physics I4
or PHYS F211X General Physics I
STAT F200XElementary Statistics3
or STAT F300 Statistics
Complete at least two from the following electives:3-7
BIOL F418
Biogeography
GEOS F453
Palynology and Paleopalynology
GEOS F486
Vertebrate Paleontology
GEOS F488
Undergraduate Research
MRAP F488
Museum Research Apprentice II 3
Complete the requirements for a minor in biological sciences20
Total Credits65-69
1

GEOS F454 is offered at UAF during the summer. Students may substitute a 6-credit field geology class at another institution. The geosciences undergraduate advisor will assist students in placement in an approved field geology class.

2

Fulfills the baccalaureate capstone requirement.

3

2 credits are required for degree completion

Catalog Department Overview ►

Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.

Geology Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM F105X74CHEM F106X7,224 
GEOS F101X204GEOS F112X204 
MATH F251X64LS F101X151 
WRTG F111X13STAT F200X or F30016,223 
 General Education Requirement - Arts3 
 15 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOS F213224GEOS F214224 
PHYS F123X or F211X17,224GEOS F225222 
General Education Requirement - Humanities3PHYS F124X or F212X17,224 
Complete one of the following:13General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3 
General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3 
  
  
Complete one of the following:13  
  
  
  
  
 17 16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GEOS F30920,253GEOS F30422,253GEOS F45421,22,256
GEOS F31522,254GEOS F31422,254 
GEOS F32222,254GEOS F48222,251 
GEOS F48322,253General Education Requirement - Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences3 
 Degree Requirement - Alaska Native-themed3 
 Degree Requirement - Ethics253 
 14 17 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOS F41322,252GEOS F48222,251 
Concentration Course253Concentration Course253 
Concentration Course253General Elective3 
General Elective3General Elective2 
 11 9 
Total Credits 120

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Geophysics Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM F105X74GEOS F112X74
GEOS F101X204LS F101X151
MATH F251X64MATH F252X16,224
WRTG F111X13General Education Requirement - Arts3
 General Education Requirement - Humanities3
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOS F213 (*)224GEOS F489P22,251
GEOS F43622,252MATH F30222,253
MATH F253X224PHYS F212X17,224
PHYS F211X17,224General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3
Complete one of the following:13Complete one of the following:13
 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOS F30920,253GEOS F41522,253
GEOS F48322,253GEOS F41922,253
PHYS F213X7,224MATH F31422,253
General Education Requirement - Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences3PHYS F220224
Degree Requirement - Ethics253Degree Requirement - Alaska Native-themed3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GEOS F43122,254ESS F492P22,251
GEOS F48821,22,252GEOS F40622,253
General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3Concentration Course252
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 12
Total Credits 120

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Geospatial Sciences Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM F105X74CHEM F106X7,224 
GEOS F101X204GEOS F112X204 
MATH F251X64LS F101X151 
WRTG F111X13STAT F200X or F30016,223 
 General Education Requirement - Arts3 
 15 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOS F213224GEOS F214224 
PHYS F123X or F211X17,224GEOS F225222 
General Education Requirement - Humanities3PHYS F124X or F212X17,224 
Complete one of the following:13General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3 
General Education Requirement - Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences3 
  
  
Complete one of the following:13  
  
  
  
  
 17 16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
GEOS F30920,253GEOS F102X224GEOS F45421,22,256
GEOS F32222,254GEOS F30422,253 
General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3GEOS F31422,254 
Degree Requirement - Ethics253Degree Requirement - Alaska Native-themed3 
 13 14 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
NRM F33822,253GEOS F42222,253 
Concentration Course253Concentration Course253 
Concentration Course253Concentration Course253 
Concentration Course253Concentration Course253 
 12 12 
Total Credits 120

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Paleontology Concentration

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM F105X7,22,244CHEM F106X7,224 
GEOS F101X204GEOS F112X204 
MATH F251X64LS F101X151 
WRTG F111X13General Education Requirement - Arts3 
 General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3 
 15 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
GEOS F213224BIOL F115X17,22,244 
PHYS F123X or F211X224GEOS F214224 
Complete one of the following:13GEOS F225222 
STAT F200X or F30016,223 
General Education Requirement - Social Sciences3 
  
Complete one of the following:13  
  
  
  
  
 14 16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BIOL F116X17,22,244GEOS F30422,253GEOS F45421,22,256
GEOS F30920,253GEOS F31422,254 
General Education Requirement - Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences3GEOS F31522,254 
General Education Requirement - Humanities3GEOS F32222,254 
 13 15 6
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
BIOL F26022,244BIOL F418, GEOS F453, GEOS F486, GEOS F488, or MRAP F48822,253 
BIOL F418, GEOS F453, GEOS F486, GEOS F488, or MRAP F48822,253Concentration Course243 
Degree Requirement - Alaska Native-themed3Degree Requirement - Ethics253 
General Elective253General Elective254 
 13 13 
Total Credits 120

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Catalog Department Overview ►

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Upon completion of introductory courses (GEOS F101X and GEOS F112X), demonstrate understanding of basic geologic concepts, including: a) plate tectonics; b) geologic time; c) structure and composition of the Earth; and d) 3-D visualization
  • Apply the scientific method to geologic questions and demonstrate hands-on experience with geologic tools and techniques in the lab and/or in the field
  • Demonstrate skills in written and oral communication consistent with professional standard
  • Students seeking employment or continued education in geoscience or related fields will be employed or admitted to graduate programs within one year of graduation