2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/las/geology-bs/environmental-geology/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

The Specialized Curriculum in Geology (BS) is designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in geology or geophysics or who wish to work professionally in the environmental field upon obtaining the bachelor's degree. It consists of geology, geophysics, and environmental geology areas, and offers more training in geology and related science than is required of students who make geology their major in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum. Students must choose one of the following: Geology, Geophysics, or Environmental Geology.

Undergraduate Degree Programs in Geology

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Students select one of the following in consultation with an adviser:

• Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters)
• Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters), Earth and Environmental Sciences Concentration
• Major in Geology (Sciences and Letters), Earth Science Teaching Concentration

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology

Students select one of the following in consultation with an adviser:

• Major in Geology (Specialized Curriculum)
• Major in Geology (Specialized Curriculum), Environmental Geology Concentration
• Major in Geology (Specialized Curriculum), Geophysics Concentration

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

Graduation requires a grade point average of at least 2.0 overall and a 2.0 average in all required science and technical courses (geology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and technical requirements listed below). The Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change will supply a Guide for Geology Undergraduates upon request. This guide gives more information about the curriculum.

Departmental Distinction:

Students majoring in Geology can earn distinction, high distinction, and highest distinction upon graduation.  The requirements for these awards are:

• Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3, and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.
• High Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.
• Highest Distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7, and also completed an approved senior thesis or approved research capstone.

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 126 hours.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Chemistry- Select one group of courses: | | 8-9 | | CHEM 102 | General Chemistry I | | | CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | | | CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II | | | CHEM 105 | General Chemistry Lab II | | | or | | | | CHEM 202 | Accelerated Chemistry I | | | CHEM 203 | Accelerated Chemistry Lab I | | | CHEM 204 | Accelerated Chemistry II | | | CHEM 205 | Accelerated Chemistry Lab II | | | 24 hours of Geology Courses | | | | GEOL 107 | Physical Geology (Students who decide to follow the curriculum after first taking GEOL 100 should enroll in GEOL 208. GEOL 100 will be accepted as a substitute for GEOL 107, but students should be aware that these courses are not intended for science majors.) | 4 | | GEOL 208 | History of the Earth System | 4 | | GEOL 380 | Environmental Geology | 4 | | GEOL 401 | Geomorphology | 4 | | GEOL 451 | Environmental Geophysics | 4 | | or GEOL 452 | Introduction to Geophysics | | | GEOL 470 | Introduction to Hydrogeology | 4 | | Mathematics | | 11-12 | | MATH 220 | Calculus | | | or MATH 221 | Calculus I | | | MATH 231 | Calculus II | | | MATH 241 | Calculus III | | | Physics | | 8-10 | | PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 | University Physics: Mechanics and University Physics: Elec & Mag | | | or | | | | PHYS 101 & PHYS 102 | College Physics: Mech & Heat and College Physics: E&M & Modern | | | Statistics- Select one of the following: | | 4 | | CPSC 440 | Applied Statistical Methods I | | | STAT 400 | Statistics and Probability I | | | Additional Technical Requirements | | 24 | | Select from the following courses. At least 9 hours must be geology courses and at least 9 hours must be non-geology courses. | | | | CEE 330 | Environmental Engineering | | | CHEM 232 | Elementary Organic Chemistry I | | | CS 101 | Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci | | | CS 125 | Introduction to Computer Science | | | ENVS 431 | | | | GGIS 477 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | | | GEOL 411 | Structural Geol and Tectonics | | | GEOL 417 | Geol Field Methods, Western US (GEOL 417 is a 6-hour summer field course taught off campus.) | | | GEOL 432 | Mineralogy and Mineral Optics | | | GEOL 436 | Petrology and Petrography | | | GEOL 440 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | | | GEOL 460 | Geochemistry | | | MATH 225 | Introductory Matrix Theory | | | MATH 415 | Applied Linear Algebra | | | MATH 285 | Intro Differential Equations | | | MATH 441 | Differential Equations | | | MCB 100 | Introductory Microbiology | | | MCB 101 | Intro Microbiology Laboratory | | | PHYS 213 | Univ Physics: Thermal Physics | | | PHYS 214 | Univ Physics: Quantum Physics | | | STAT 420 | Methods of Applied Statistics | | | TAM 210 | Introduction to Statics | | | TAM 211 | Statics | |

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

Total Hours: 126

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

1. Students will develop cross-disciplinary skills of observation, data collection, and spatial display of data (e.g., map making) related to geological materials, features, and processes. Upon completing this program, students will be able to analyze the Earth as a complex system and evaluate the interconnectedness of Earth systems and their effects on each other. Students will be able to analyze the causes and impacts of the Earth’s changing climate over various time scales and evaluate the environmental, social, and geological impacts of these changes. Students will be able to analyze complex geological processes and their interconnectedness with environmental systems on geologic and real timescales, applying spatial analyses in 3D (and 4D), using direct field observations coupled with geologic interpretation and synthesis.
2. Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, and mathematical theories fundamental to Earth processes through rigorous coursework and research. Upon program completion, students will be able to analyze and solve mathematical and computational problems encountered in geoscience research and professional practice. Students will be able to analyze and interpret geologic structure including geologic timescales, and tectonic and deformation processes and their hazard potentials. Students will be able to interpret the chemical and mechanical processes involved within each stage of the rock cycle. Students will be able to recognize key surface processes and their connection to geological features, including potential hazards. Students will be able to analyze and interpret the chemical and mechanical processes involved in the Water Cycle and evaluate water as a critical natural resource.
3. Students will develop and apply critical thinking skills to synthesize principles learned in the classroom and data collected in the laboratory and in the field in order to evaluate hypotheses and solve geological and Earth science problems. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to carry out geological data collection and analysis in the field and/or lab, in independent and team working environments. Students will have the strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to effectively analyzing and solving complex geologic problems. They will be able to navigate non-unique answers and make informed decisions based on evidence.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate scientific data, interpretations, and hypotheses through written and oral methods. Upon completion, Students will be proficient in communicating science verbally and in writing and be able to tailor their written and verbal communication to different audiences. Students will have developed good listening skills and the ability to carry on an interactive dialogue with their colleagues.
5. Students will hone and apply interpersonal skills in a professional setting through group work, research activities, and field studies. Upon completing this program, students will be able to work in professional and academic group settings as productive members of a team to solve complex geologic and Earth science problems.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration (Specialized Curriculum)

Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change

Geology website\ geology@illinois.edu\ Geology Faculty

Advising

Geology advising

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

LAS College website

Admissions

Liberal Arts & Sciences Admissions & Requirements\ University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Undergrad Admissions