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Department
of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Undergraduate Programs
in Geoscience
What
is Geoscience?
Geoscience is the study of the Earth and includes the fields of
geology, geophysics and environmental science. Volcanoes,
earthquakes, floods, landslides and plate tectonics are some of the
things that geoscientists investigate and try to understand. Geology
is a field-oriented science that involves mapping and analyzing
rocks, deciphering the Earth's history from the rock record,
locating natural resources and identifying natural and man-made
hazards. Geophysics is a more instrument-oriented
discipline that investigates the Earth's internal structure and
processes by studying seismic waves and variations in our planet's
magnetic and gravitational fields as well as its rotation. Environmental
Science focuses on the near-surface realm of the Earth and the
way humans interact with that environment. Environmental scientists
study natural hazards, water availability and quality, waste
management and the use of Earth's limited resources.
Geoscientists in all three fields share observations, ideas and
techniques.
Majors and Degrees
The following degrees prepare a student for employment following
graduation, and in the case of the bachelor of science degrees, they
provide the necessary foundation for an advanced degree--a master's
degree or Ph.D.--in any of the specialized fields of study in the
geosciences.
Bachelor of Arts in
Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Arts in
Geology
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Minor in Geology
Bachelor of Science in Geophysics
Teaching and Research
The Department has a representative mineral and rock collection,
equipment for conducting field studies and collecting samples, rock
crushers, pulverizers, rock saws, petrographic and stereo-
microscopes, a computerized image analysis system, hammer
seismograph, magnetometer, electrical resistivity equipment, mineral
separation laboratory, and stable isotope extraction line.
Students also have access to workstations, networked desktop
computers, scanners and printers. With the introduction of the
new environmental science programs, new lab facilities and equipment
are available in the Department. The Department's Earthquake
Research Center operates a network of seismograph stations
distributed throughout the Midwest.
Features
of our Programs
Extensive Fieldwork
Numerous field trips and field exercises are integral to many of the
Geoscience courses. In addition, students in the Geology
Bachelor of Science program will take two courses dedicated to
comprehensive field training: Field Techniques in Geology
introduces student to field techniques, and Summer Field Camp
allows students to master the fundamental skills needed in
geosciences. Internships are also available for B.S. students.
Enhance Science
Communication Skills
Many employers look for people with excellent communication
skills. Students in our program complete a special course--Scientific
Communications--that focuses on improving writing.
Extracurricular
Activities
Students in the Department may have the opportunity to work
part-time assisting faculty members with their research. Such
jobs expose students to various aspects of science as well as
provide them with some income. Other part-time jobs may also
be available elsewhere in the University. To foster
camaraderie among the Geoscience students and provide further
exposure to field areas, students can go on a spring break field
trip every year. Scenic and instructive places have been
visited in the past, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The
City of St. Louis provides opportunities for science-related
volunteer work in places such as the St. Louis Science Center and
the St. Louis Zoo.
Scholarships
and Awards
After
Graduation
Careers in the
Geosciences
A degree in the geosciences prepares students for a variety of
interesting careers. Many geoscientists work in industry or
for government agencies concerned with oil and natural gas
exploration and production, mining, water resources, civil
engineering, waste and pollution management, environmental impact
assessment, conservation and land management, policy analysis and
implementation education. A valuable asset that students
acquire in our program is the solid background in critical thinking,
effective communication and computer use. A minor in the
geosciences is an excellent complement to a major in biology,
chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental law, or journalism.
A hallmark of the
geoscientist is the mixture of indoor and outdoor activities.
A geoscientist's time can be divided between field, laboratory and
office settings. Field work may consist of sample collection,
field observations and geologic mapping. Laboratory work may
involve analysis of samples using a variety of analytical equipment,
such as petrographic and electron microscopes, X-ray diffractometers,
mass spectrometers and magnetometers. Office activities
include the integration of field and laboratory data, computer
analysis and modeling and the preparation of written and oral
reports.
Employment
opportunities
The Earth's resources are not as accessible as they once were, and
growing concern about the environment has created a diversity of
employment opportunities for geoscientists. Beginning annual
salaries in 2006 for geoscientists with a B.S. are in the range of $40,000. Employment in the private
sector usually results in slightly higher salaries than in
government agencies. Earning a master's degree in geosciences,
which requires two more years of education after the undergraduate
degree, can substantially increase one's employment opportunities
and salary.
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