Geoscience (B.A.)

Major in Geoscience

(Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Arts degree)

Geoscience is a broad, interdisciplinary field comprising geology as well as aspects of ocean science, atmospheric science, planetary science, and environmental science. Utica College offers both B..S. and B.A. degrees in Geoscience. The B.S. affords greater depth in geoscience and the other physical sciences and is designed to prepare students to work in applied earth and environmental science or pursue graduate studies in geoscience or related disciplines. Those interested in a program in earth and environmental science designed to provide substantial breadth in science preparation by also including coursework in biology, environmental issues, and astronomy may elect to pursue the B.A. Each degree is also appropriate for teaching secondary earth science. Students interested in teaching should see also the Programs in Education.

Learning Objectives

BA Students will:

• Be able to explain the fundamentals of the Theory of Plate Tectonics, including its causes and its effects, and the evidence that supports its occurrence. In addition be aware of aspects of Plate Tectonic Theory about which there is uncertainty and/or disagreement.
• Be able to explain how earth processes and materials impact human society, and how activities of human society impact the earth and environment. Be able to describe several examples of each, including some that are interdisciplinary in nature.
• Be able to explain what historical science is as well as why it is performed. Understand how modern day processes can be used to reconstruct the processes and events of Earths’ deep past and its evolution over periods of time.

BS Students will:

• Be able to explain the fundamentals of the Theory of Plate Tectonics, including its causes and its effects, and the evidence that supports its occurrence. In addition, be aware of and be able to describe aspects of Plate Tectonic Theory about which there is uncertainty and/or disagreement.
• Be able to explain how earth processes and materials impact human society, and how activities of human society impact the earth and environment. Be able to describe several examples of each - and explain them in detail.
• Be able to explain what historical science is and why it is performed. Understand how modern day processes can be used to reconstruct the processes and events of Earth’s past including, but not limited to, utilizing experimental data obtained under a wide range of temperature, pressure, and fluid compositions that are then compared to ancient rocks.
• Be able to describe and explain the limitations of several different methods used to perform historical science, and understand and be able to explain how and why multiple approaches are used simultaneously.