UB Programs At-A-Glance

Geological Sciences

Department of Geology
College of Arts and Sciences
876 Natural Sciences Complex
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-3050

Phone: 716.645.6800, ext. 6100
Fax: 716.645.3999
Web: www.geology.buffalo.edu
Email: geology@buffalo.edu

Charles E. Mitchell
Chair

Matthew W. Becker
Director of Undergraduate Studies

About the Program

Geology is the science of earth. It is primarily based on the study of material exposed at earth’s surface and is therefore an outdoor science in the sense that most of its fundamental data must be gathered in the open and most of the information acquired in the laboratory must ultimately be evaluated in the field. The term “geology” applies to numerous scientific subdisciplines (for example, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, mineralogy, paleontology, planetary geology, stratigraphy, structural geology, volcanology) that interact with each other and collectively focus on increasing our knowledge of earth, the processes that shape it, and our physical and evolutionary relations to earth and to its other inhabitants.

Geologists apply their knowledge in a variety of ways. Some problems geologists work on are strictly practical: we use geophysics, geochemistry, and stratigraphic mapping skills in exploration for mineral, water, and energy resources. We gauge the extent of ground water or soil pollution and devise strategies for remediation using sophisticated hydrologic, geochemical, or geophysical computer models. We use knowledge of volcanic eruptions and slope stability to reconstruct past natural disasters and, based on this, predict and protect against future threats. Geologists may also apply their knowledge toward problems in basic science: We analyze the magmatic activity at mid-ocean ridges that forms the ocean floor, develop hypotheses about the formation of surface features on Mars, and use computer models based on satellite images to predict large-scale Earth processes. We strive to understand the interaction of Earth systems and their linkage to the history of life through the processes of evolution to provide key insights into our own history. All of the data in both practical and theoretical aspects of geology aid us in providing information about living consciously and using our resources wisely so that governments and societies can make informed decisions about our stewardship of earth.

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 the Undergraduate Catalog.

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 (TA's) do?

TA's 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 the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

There are ten full-time faculty members, six 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 Dr. Michael F. Sheridan has received the title of UB Distinguished Professor. Dr. Charles E. Mitchell has also received the rank of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

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.

Field Camp

The 6-credit field camp course is the highlight of the undergraduate program. It is held for four weeks in the summer in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado and operates from a mobile base camp. The course teaches applied geological field methods.


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 each two recipient. 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.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Majors that Complement Geology


Minors that Complement Geology

Career Information and Further Study

The Department of Geology at UB offers several degree options to help students on their life paths by combining what they love with their careers. We believe a degree in Geology offers a tremendous amount of flexibility while challenging students to learn to think spatially and create models, obtain a solid knowledge of computers, gain an ability to deal with uncertainty, and communicate complex problems to other people.

Geoscientists are concerned with questions about the Earth: How is the global climate changing? How do Earth systems work? How and where should we dispose of industrial wastes? How can society's growing demands for energy and water be satisfied while conserving natural resources for future generations? As global populations increase, can we grow enough food and fiber to sustain them? Is there life on other planets? What other effects will shrinking glaciers have on the oceans and climate? What makes a continent move, a mountain form, a volcano erupt? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct?

In addition, Geoscientists are stewards (or caretakers) of Earth and other planets. Investigating the Earth, its soils, oceans, and atmosphere; forecasting the climate; developing land-use plans; exploring other planets and the solar system; determining environmental impacts; and finding new sources of useful Earth materials are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute to our understanding of Earth processes and history. Geoscientists provide essential information for solving problems and establishing governmental policies for resource management; envinronmental protection; and public health, safetly, and welfare.

Even if a student is not yet sure he or she wants a career in the geosciences, a degree in geology provides the tools needed in related fields because of the increasing importance of understanding the Earth in environmental issues. And if nothing else, a degree in Geology helps students with important life issues like where to build (or not build) a house, an appreciation for local water or energy resources (or lack thereof), and hazard concerns (which would relate to types of insurance one may want)!

Environmental scientists and geoscientists held about 97,000 jobs in 2000. Environmental scientists accounted for 64,000 of the total; geoscientists, 25,000; and hydrologists, 8,000. Many more individuals held environmental science and geoscience faculty positions in colleges and universities, but they are considered college and university faculty.

Among salaried geoscientists, nearly one in three were employed in engineering and management services, and slightly more that one in five worked for oil and gas extraction companies. As of 2000, the federal government employed about 3,100 geoscientists, including geologists, geophysicists, and oceanographers, mostly with the U.S. Department of the Interior for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Department of Defense. More that 2,600 worked for state agencies, such as state geological surveys and state departments of conservation. About one geoscientist in 25 was self-employed; most were consultants to industry or government.

Skills gained in this program include:

  • Planning programs to prevent floods and erosion
  • Using computers to analyze data
  • Reading the history of the Earth's crust by studying changes in rocks and the scars left by erosion, glaciers, and volcanic eruptions
  • Explaining the origin of natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon
  • Determining the distribution of rocks under the earth or ocean surface by examining drill cores
  • Conducting geological surveys
  • Measuring and mapping the Earth's surface and subsurface layers
  • Tracing the flow of water and oil through rock
  • Determining earthquake-prone areas
  • Predicting volcanic or earthquake activity


Recent graduates have found employment as:

  • Consultants for building and highway construction
  • Earth science teachers
  • Educators
  • Environmental consultants
  • Environmental geologists
  • Exploration geologists
  • Hydrogeologists
  • Museum curators
  • Navy seafloor mappers
  • Researchers


Salary Information

Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position, and work setting to another. According to the September 2001 NACE national salary survey, geologists’ salaries averaged $35,500 with a bachelors degree.

Links to Further Information About This Program


Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:09 EST