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Fribourgh Hall, Room 307 | (501) 569-3546 | ualr.edu/earthsciences

The Department of Earth Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Geology, with an optional concentration in Environmental Geology. Areas of study can include (but are not limited to): climate studies, energy resources, engineering geology, environmental geochemistry, geochemistry, geoinformatics (including GIS), geomorphology, geoscience education, hydrogeology, isotope geochemistry, medical geology, mineralogy, oceanography, paleontology, petrology, petroleum geology, planetary geology, sedimentology, seismology, stratigraphy, structural geology, tectonics, and volcanology. Students will learn to relate these areas of study to understanding the Earth, and how Earth processes affect and are affected by humanity. Students are encouraged to obtain a scientific understanding of earth systems on a global scale.

The Earth Sciences provide career opportunities for employment in industry, government, and teaching. Students interested in this area of study are urged to consult the departmental faculty regarding curricular plans and career goals. The department also offers minors in Geology and Environmental Geology. Departmental faculty also advise graduate students in the Applied Sciences graduate program.

General Information

Professional courses, numbered 3320 and above, are designed for geology majors and minors; biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering majors; students interested in science teaching; and for other students with a deeper interest in the field. For example, ERSC 3460 , ERSC 4322 , ERSC 4353 , and ERSC 4421  courses are recommended for biology students; ERSC 4371 , ERSC 4322 , ERSC 4323 , ERSC 4372 , and ERSC 4473  courses are recommended for all students in environmental fields; and ERSC 4371 , ERSC 4372 , and ERSC 4473  courses are recommended for students in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management.

Laboratory Science Requirement Courses

The core curriculum requirements for Laboratory Science may be met by taking any of the following courses:

ERSC 1302 - Physical Geology  and ERSC 1102 - Physical Geology Laboratory 
ERSC 1304 - Earth and the Environment  and ERSC 1104 - Earth and the Environment Lab 
ERSC 2303 - Historical Geology  and ERSC 2103 - Historical Geology Laboratory  

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes of the B.S. in Geology Program

The goals of the program are to:

1. Prepare students for successful scientific, technical or management careers in the geosciences or related fields
2. Provide employers with a well-educated workforce that is ready and able to perform valuable scientific, technical or managerial services immediately after graduation
3. Encourage the growth of knowledge-based industry and stimulate economic growth in Arkansas

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies. The educational objectives of the program are to produce graduates who:

• are pursuing productive careers as professional geologists engaged in continuous professional growth along their chosen career path, or are pursuing graduate or professional education in geology or related fields;
• are able to become Geologist in Training (GIT) and are able to become licensed Professional Geologists (PG) after gaining the required professional experience and the requisite knowledge to pass the licensing exams;
• engage in lifelong learning, through on-the-job training, participation in professional societies, additional formal education, continuing education and professional development, research, and self-study, in order to use state-of-the-art knowledge to solve geologic problems and/or provide high-quality service to the general public, employers, clients, and other professionals.

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and are able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. Students finishing the program will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.

Programs

• Geology, B.S.
• Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration, B.S.

• Environmental Geology Minor
• Geology Minor

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