Geochemistry Major (GCMJ)

The Geological and Environmental Sciences and Chemistry Departments offer a program of study leading to a major in geochemistry. Students choosing this major will not be required to complete an additional minor. The geochemistry major is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for a professional career in geochemistry or environmental chemistry. Students contemplating a geochemistry major should contact the Geological and Environmental Sciences Department as early as possible for advising. A minimum of 66 hours is required for this major.

Geosciences Core (14 hours)

GEOS 1300 - Physical Geology Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 2320 - Integrated Earth System Studies Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 3010 - Introduction to Earth Materials Credits: 4 hours
GEOS 5550 - Introduction to Geochemistry Credits: 3 hours

Chemistry Core (12 hours)

CHEM 1100 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 1130 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 2250 - Quantitative Analysis Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 2260 - Quantitative Analysis Laboratory Credits: 1 hour

Math Core (8 hours)

Select either:

MATH 1220 - Calculus I Credits: 4 hours
or
MATH 1700 - Calculus I, Science and Engineering Credits: 4 hours

Select either:

MATH 1230 - Calculus II Credits: 4 hours
or
MATH 1710 - Calculus II, Science and Engineering Credits: 4 hours

Geosciences Electives (Choose at least 13 hours)

An approved field course sequence (up to 3 hours total)

GEOS 4350 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy Credits: 4 hours
(Fulfills the Baccalaureate-level Writing requirement)
GEOS 4700 - Earth History Credits: 4 hours
(Fulfills the Baccalaureate-level Writing requirement)
GEOS 5020 - Problems in Geology and Earth Science Credits: 1 to 3 hours
(Specifically Stable Isotopes)
GEOS 5060 - Introduction to Soils Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5120 - Principles of Hydrogeology Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5140 - Isotope Hydrology Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5280 - Principles/Practices of Ground-water Sampling/Monitoring Credits: 1 hour
GEOS 5100 - Advanced Earth Materials Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5450 - Hazardous Waste Remediation Credits: 3 hours
GEOS 5170 - Research Project Credits: 3 hours

Chemistry Electives (Choose at least 8 hours)

CHEM 3550 - Introductory Biochemistry Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 3560 - Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 3700 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 3710 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 3750 - Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 3760 - Organic Chemistry Lab I Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 3770 - Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 3780 - Organic Chemistry Lab II Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 4300 - Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 4310 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 4380 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
CHEM 5090 - Topics in Chemistry Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 5200 - Instrumental Methods in Chemistry Credits: 3 hours
CHEM 5210 - Instrumental Methods Laboratory Credits: 1 hour

Math and General Science Electives (Choose at least 11 hours)

(Hours cannot all be in the same department)

BIOS 2320 - Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Credits: 4 hours
BIOS 3010 - Ecology Credits: 5 hours
MATH 2720 - Multivariate Calculus and Matrix Algebra Credits: 4 hours
MATH 3740 - Differential Equations and Linear Algebra Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 2050 - University Physics I Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 2060 - University Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
PHYS 2070 - University Physics II Credits: 4 hours
PHYS 2080 - University Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1 hour
STAT 3640 - Foundations of Data Analysis Credits: 4 hours

Note:

Either CHEM 3700/3710 or CHEM 3750-3780 will count toward the major.
An outside geology field camp is strongly recommended.