Introduction
The Earth Science minor administered by
the Geography/Geology Department is designed to offer a concentration of
studies in earth and near earth (atmospheric) science. With emphasis on the
earth’s environment, it is an offering needed in today's world. The program
contains sufficient optional latitude for the student, while at the same
time meeting the basic framework desired by the Department of Public
Instruction, which has certified the minor.
Why Study Earth Science at
UW-Stevens Point?
Courses for the minor are taught by the
Geography/Geology Department and the Physics/Astronomy Department. The
program offers students a cutting edge learning environment in which
excellence in teaching is of prime importance. Faculty members work closely
with students enrolled in the minor to design a course of study oriented to
the students’ interests, special abilities, and career objectives. Small
upper-level class sizes, active academic advising, and superb laboratory
facilities promote academic success.
High School Preparation
To prepare for a minor in earth science,
high school students should focus on courses in the physical and natural
sciences like biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and computers, in
addition to earth science.
Department Features
All faculty in the Geography/Geology and
Physics/Astronomy Departments hold doctorates in Geography or Geology.
Faculty have training and interests in climatology, geomorphology,
environmental studies, glacial geology, hydrogeology, astronomy, and
physics. Several members have been recognized by the university for their
excellence in teaching. Several well-equipped computer-based laboratories
allow students practical experience with the latest computer applications in
earth science.
Employment Opportunity
This course of study may be significant to
science-oriented students, especially those who plan to teach in junior high
schools where earth science studies are an important part of the curriculum.
Sample Program of Study
for the Earth Science Minor
A minor in Earth Science consists of
22 credits, to include the following:*
- The Physical Environment - Geog 101 - 5 credits
- Physical Geology - Geol 104 - 4 credits
- Earth History - Geol 106 - 1 credit
- At least one course from each of the following
groups:
- Geomorphology - Geog/Geol 352 - 3 credits
Physical Climatology & Meteorology - Geog 353 - 3 credits
- Mineralogy and Petrology - Geol 200 - 4 credits
Structural Geology - Geol 320 - 3 credits
Environmental Geology - Geol 330 - 3 credits
Glacial Geology - Geol 370 - 3 credits
Hydrogeology - Geol 383 - 3 credits
- Six additional credits from either group above, or
from the following:
- Field Trip in Geography/Geology - Geog/Geol 393 - 1-3
credits
- Directed Study - Geog/Geol 395 - 1-3 credits (for topics
appropriate to earth science)
- Introduction to Astronomy - Ast 311 - 3 credits
Note: No more than three
total field experience credits (Geology 393 or Geography 393) can be
used to satisfy the earth science minor requirements.
* For teacher certification in
Earth Science, you must include Astronomy 311 and at least two
field experience credits in Geography 393 and/or Geology 393 as part of
your program.
