2026-2027 Course Catalog

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

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Geology (Sciences & Letters)

The Sciences and Letters Curriculum in Geology (BSLAS), administered by the Department of Geology, is designed for students who want a more flexible course of study than is provided by the Specialized Curriculum in Geology and Geophysics. It may be used by those wishing to obtain a more liberal education and/or background in geology for use in fields such as anthropology, business, mineral economics, regional planning, journalism, law, sales, or library and information science. It is not intended to prepare a student for graduate work in the geological sciences unless the student selects additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics comparable to those required in the Specialized Geology and Geophysics Curriculum. Students must choose from the following: Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or Earth Science Teaching. The Earth Science Teaching Concentration is designed for students preparing to teach earth science at the secondary school level.

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 advisor:

• 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 advisor:

• 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 Liberal Arts & Sciences in Geology (Sciences & Letters)

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 required major and supporting course work: Minimum required course work normally equates to 47-52 hours including at least 26 hours in Geology. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level in the major must be taken on this campus.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Core requirements: | | | | 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 | | CHEM 102 | General Chemistry I | 3 | | CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 | | Select one of the following MATH courses: (An introductory Statistics course, e.g., STAT 100, SOC 280, ECON 202, or a second semester of Calculus is recommended) | | 4-5 | | MATH 220 | Calculus | | | or MATH 221 | Calculus I | | | MATH 234 | Calculus for Business I | | | Additional requirements beyond the core requirements: | | | | CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II | 3 | | CHEM 105 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 | | PHYS 101 | College Physics: Mech & Heat | 4-5 | | or PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | | | GEOL 411 | Structural Geol and Tectonics | 4 | | GEOL 417 | Geol Field Methods, Western US (GEOL 417 is a summer field course taught off campus.) | 6 | | GEOL 432 | Mineralogy and Mineral Optics | 4 | | GEOL 436 | Petrology and Petrography | 4 | | GEOL 440 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 | | Three to four hours of advanced Geology or cognate science elective | | 3-4 |

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Geology (Sciences & Letters)

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 fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Geology (Sciences & Letters)

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.
2. Students will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and mathematical theories fundamental to earth processes through rigorous coursework and research.
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 problems.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively scientific data, interpretations, and hypotheses through written and oral methods.
5. Students will hone and apply interpersonal skills in a professional setting through group work, research activities, and field studies.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Geology (Sciences & Letters)

Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change

Earth Science & Environmental Change website\ esec@illinois.edu\ Earth Science & Environmental Change 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