Earth Science Bachelor of Arts
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science is offered for students who are interested in developing Earth science careers in K-12 science education, resource management, law, policy making/politics, journalism, and sustainable business. It will provide a well-balanced and flexible academic background that allows them to examine critically the growing number of Earth science related problems.
Of the 120 units required for graduation, a minimum of 32 are Earth science courses in Geology and Geography, 24 are in related fields, 3 are in Upper Division Writing, and 39 are in non-science and non-math general education courses. The remaining 22 undesignated units are selected to meet the particular needs of each student. To qualify for the B.A. in Earth science degree, students must have a "C" (2.0) or better in all Earth science courses applied toward the 32-unit requirement; in addition, students must have a 2.0 average in required related fields courses.
Advising
Each student meets regularly with the undergraduate advisor to formulate his or her study plan and choose appropriate elective courses.
8 TERM ACADEMIC PLAN
Contacts
For more information about our program in Earth science, please contact our undergraduate advisor, Dr. Vali Memeti, at (657) 278-3882. You are also welcome to visit our department in Room 204, McCarthy Hall, or write to:
Undergraduate Advisor
Department of Geological Sciences
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850.
Student Learning Goals
In Spring 2011, the faculty developed the following Geology Learning Outcomes statement:
The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in Earth sciences:
Broad foundation in basic science
- Understand basic mathematical/statistical relationships
- Understand basic biological, physical, and chemical methods and processes
Skills, concepts, and processes
- Understand the scientific method and roles of scientists in society
- Read, interpret, and construct geologic maps, cross sections and block diagrams to visualize geologic relations in the four dimensions of space and time
- Understand geologic time, explain the geologic time scale and its scientific basis, recount the milestone events in Earth history, and understand how the classification/interpretation of rocks are used to reconstruct Earth history
- Identify and locate existing Earth science information and communicate data and interpretations orally and in writing using appropriate technology
Integrative approach to Earth Science problems
- Understand the role of Earth materials and processes in everyday life
- Understand Earth science and its relationships with societal issues, including the extent of human impact on Earth systems and environments
- Understand the processes that create natural hazards and the strategies that minimize their impact on society
- Apply fundamental concepts of math, physics, chemistry, and biology to integrate and synthesize to Earth systems and cycles, including plate tectonics, the rock cycle, the hydrologic cycle, the carbon cycle and evolution
