Geological Sciences, Associate of Science (AS)

Program Overview

The Geological Sciences program at SBCC provides a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's physical characteristics, history, and processes. Through hands-on field experiences and a variety of teaching methods, students develop skills in field mapping, data analysis, and scientific writing, preparing them for careers as geologists, geophysicists, environmental consultants, and science teachers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: Geological Sciences is the study of the Earth, including its physical characteristics, history, and processes.
It investigates the effects of geological hazards and addresses ways to conserve and protect the geological environment. Planetary science focuses on the study of the origin of galaxies and the universe, along with the laws that govern these systems and bodies.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geological sciences, including the Earth's physical properties, history, and processes.
It emphasizes the recognition and assessment of geological processes in the field, the classification and interpretation of rocks, minerals, and fossils, and the ability to read and interpret geological data.
• Program Description: The Geological Sciences program at SBCC combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experiences.
Students learn about the Earth's dynamic processes, the formation and evolution of rocks and minerals, and the history of life on Earth. They also develop skills in field mapping, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers the following core topics:
• Physical geology: The study of the Earth's surface processes, including erosion, deposition, and weathering.
• Historical geology: The study of the Earth's history, as revealed by the fossil record and other geological evidence.
• Mineralogy: The study of minerals, their properties, and their occurrence.
• Petrology: The study of rocks, their formation, and their classification.
• Geochemistry: The study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its materials.
• Geophysics: The study of the Earth's physical properties, such as its density, magnetism, and heat flow.
• Field geology: The study of geological features in the field, including mapping, data collection, and interpretation.
• Course Schedule: The program typically follows a semester-based schedule, with courses offered in the fall and spring semesters.
Students typically take 3-4 courses per semester.
• Module Descriptions: The program does not appear to be divided into specific modules.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams: Students take exams to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
• Quizzes: Students take quizzes to check their understanding of the material and to prepare for exams.
• Homework assignments: Students complete homework assignments to practice the skills they are learning in class.
• Fieldwork: Students complete field assignments to develop their skills in observation, data collection, and interpretation.
• Research projects: Students complete research projects to demonstrate their ability to independently research a geological topic.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures: Instructors present information to students in a lecture format.
• Discussions: Students participate in discussions to share their ideas and learn from each other.
• Laboratory exercises: Students conduct laboratory exercises to develop their skills in observation, data collection, and interpretation.
• Field trips: Students go on field trips to observe geological features and collect data.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field experiences.
Students spend a significant amount of time in the field, collecting data, and interpreting geological features.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the Geological Sciences program can pursue a variety of careers in the field of geology, including:
• Geologist: Geologists study the Earth's physical properties, history, and processes.
They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and research institutions.
• Geophysicist: Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties, such as its density, magnetism, and heat flow.
They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and research institutions.
• Environmental consultant: Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations.
They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
• Science teacher: Science teachers teach science in schools and other educational settings.
They work with students of all ages, from elementary school to college.
• Opportunities: Graduates of the Geological Sciences program have a variety of opportunities for employment in the field of geology.
They can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and research institutions.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Geological Sciences program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of geology.
They have a strong foundation in the geological sciences and are well-prepared for further study in graduate school.