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Geological Sciences : About The Program
About Our Degrees
The undergraduate curriculum provides a comprehensive background in each of the major areas of modern geology through a required sequence of courses in geology and basic undergraduate courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus. In addition to the core courses in geology, a wide range of electives offers exposure to more specialized topics.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in GLY 101 or GLY 103.
Degree Requirements
Please see Degrees and Policies.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in GLY 101 or GLY 103.
Degree Requirements
Please see Degrees and Policies.
About Our Courses
The typical class size for:
Freshman/introductory courses is: 50-200
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 30-40
Upper level/advanced courses is: 15-25
In the Department of Geology, what do teaching assistants (TAs) do?
TAs teach laboratory sections in almost all courses for the major and all freshman level courses, as well as lead field trips and assist in grading. Except in special circumstances, all lectures are given by faculty.
For course descriptions, please see Courses.
Freshman/introductory courses is: 50-200
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 30-40
Upper level/advanced courses is: 15-25
In the Department of Geology, what do teaching assistants (TAs) do?
TAs teach laboratory sections in almost all courses for the major and all freshman level courses, as well as lead field trips and assist in grading. Except in special circumstances, all lectures are given by faculty.
For course descriptions, please see Courses.
About Our Faculty
There are thirteen full-time faculty members, eight adjunct professors, four research assistant professors, and usually one or two part-time instructors in the department. Many faculty members have extensive research experience and well-established international reputations. Dr. Charles E. Mitchell received the Milton Plesur Teaching Award, which is presented by the UB Student Association and he has also received the rank of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.
See a list of our Undergraduate Faculty.
See a list of our Undergraduate Faculty.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Notable Program Features
Field Camp: The 6-credit field camp course is the highlight of the undergraduate program. It is held for four weeks during the early summer in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado and operates from a mobile base camp. The course teaches applied geological field methods.
Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
There are numerous opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in the exciting research activities within the Department of Geology. Undergraduates have been involved in research topics as diverse as watershed hydrology and planetary geology, and have worked in Alaska, South America, and here in New York State. Many of these opportunities come with partial funding. In addition, the Buffalo Geosciences Program provides funding a support for underrepresented minorities who wish to become involved in research projects (see www.bgp.buffalo.edu). Students generally register for independent study with a faculty advisor, so they earn credits while learning about how research is conducted and building their resume.
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
Honors
In addition to the usual academic honors offered to students upon graduation, the department offers an honors program. Candidates must have junior status, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, complete a senior thesis, and complete two specific geology courses in addition to the usual departmental degree requirements.
Reginald H. Pegrum Award
This award is available to graduating geology majors. Dr. Reginald H. Pegrum, founder of the department, established an annual award to be presented to an outstanding graduate majoring in geology. The student selected is presented with a check (most recently for $600) and a certificate.
Gilbert Jaffe Memorial Award
This award is given to graduating seniors in geology, with preference given to a student excelling in marine geology or environmental science. The award consists of a check (most recently for $600) and a certificate.
Duttweiler Field Camp Award
This award is given to one or more outstanding female student(s) attending the Department of Geology's summer field camp. A $500 award is presented to two recipients. The department hopes to be able to continue this award in the future through a generous donation from an alumna.
Field Camp: The 6-credit field camp course is the highlight of the undergraduate program. It is held for four weeks during the early summer in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado and operates from a mobile base camp. The course teaches applied geological field methods.
Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
There are numerous opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in the exciting research activities within the Department of Geology. Undergraduates have been involved in research topics as diverse as watershed hydrology and planetary geology, and have worked in Alaska, South America, and here in New York State. Many of these opportunities come with partial funding. In addition, the Buffalo Geosciences Program provides funding a support for underrepresented minorities who wish to become involved in research projects (see www.bgp.buffalo.edu). Students generally register for independent study with a faculty advisor, so they earn credits while learning about how research is conducted and building their resume.
Honors, Awards, and Scholarships
Honors
In addition to the usual academic honors offered to students upon graduation, the department offers an honors program. Candidates must have junior status, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, complete a senior thesis, and complete two specific geology courses in addition to the usual departmental degree requirements.
Reginald H. Pegrum Award
This award is available to graduating geology majors. Dr. Reginald H. Pegrum, founder of the department, established an annual award to be presented to an outstanding graduate majoring in geology. The student selected is presented with a check (most recently for $600) and a certificate.
Gilbert Jaffe Memorial Award
This award is given to graduating seniors in geology, with preference given to a student excelling in marine geology or environmental science. The award consists of a check (most recently for $600) and a certificate.
Duttweiler Field Camp Award
This award is given to one or more outstanding female student(s) attending the Department of Geology's summer field camp. A $500 award is presented to two recipients. The department hopes to be able to continue this award in the future through a generous donation from an alumna.
Extracurricular Activities
The undergraduate students have a geology club, UB Geological Society (UBGS), which sponsors such things as special lectures by visiting geologists, field trips to sites of geological interest, special outings, picnics, and camping trips. Officers are elected each year.
See the UB Student Association.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
Majors that Complement Geology
Minors that Complement Geology
Minors that Complement Geology
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Geology
- College of Arts and Sciences
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:42:58 EDT