2019-2020 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin
Geophysics, BS
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Program Introduction
The Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics concentrates on the branch of geology that deals with the physics of the earth, including oceanography, seismology, volcanology, and geomagnetism.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts and laboratory skills in the geosciences by responding to written and laboratory-practical exam questions in GEOL 302, 325, 345, 355, 531, 556, 554, 555, 575 and 582.
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- Students will demonstrate knowledge of geological field skills by showing a competency at the proficiency level on a geologic field exercise. In the Geophysics courses GEOL 548 and 554, the field exercise will include a class field project using seismic data and solving a particular geologic problem, such as fault identifications or the presence of sinkholes. For students enrolling in GEOL 500, the field exercise will be a mapping exercise, the Sheep Mountain project.
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- Students will demonstrate their preparation for careers or graduate studies in the geosciences.
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Major Map
A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.
Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.
Geophysics, BS
Degree Requirements (128 hours)
Program of Study
- Carolina Core (34-46 hours)
- College Requirements (15-18 hours)
- Program Requirements (30-45 hours)
- Major Requirements (34 hours)
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1. Carolina Core (34-46 hours)
Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written — CMW (6 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving — ARP (8 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
Scientific Literacy — SCI (8 hours)
Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language — GFL (0-6 hours)
Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.
It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.
Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking — GHS (3 hours)
Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences — GSS (3 hours)
Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding — AIU (3 hours)
Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component* — CMS (0-3 hours)
Information Literacy* — INF (0-3 hours)
Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility* — VSR (0-3 hours)
*Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.
2. College Requirements (15-18 hours)
Foreign Language (0-3 hours)
- only if needed to meet 122-level proficiency
Analytical Reasoning (6 hours)
History (3 hours)
The College of Arts and Sciences requires one U.S. History and one non-U.S. History course. Whichever is not fulfilled through the Carolina Core GHS requirement must be fulfilled through this college requirement. Accordingly, please select one of the following:
- One Carolina Core GHS-approved course primarily focused on U.S. History: HIST 111 , 112 , 214 , or another GHS-approved course determined by the College of Arts and Science to fit this geographic category.
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- One Carolina Core GHS-approved course primarily focused on non-U.S. History: HIST 101 , 102 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 108 , 109 , GERM 280 , FAMS 300 , or another GHS-approved course determined by the College of Arts and Sciences to fit this geographic category.
Social Science and Fine Arts or Humanities (6 hours)
Courses Acceptable for Social Science and Fine Arts or Humanities Credit in Degree Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences
3. Program Requirements (30-45 hours)
Supporting Courses (12 hours)
Cognate (13-14 hours)
must be passed with a grade of C or higher
Electives (4-20 hours)
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification on inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Note: No electives will be needed to reach hours to graduate if completing the Degree with Distinction.
4. Major Requirements (34 hours)
a minimum grade of C is required in all major courses
Major Courses (34 hours)
*An approved field course may substitute as the Capstone Experience.
Degree with Distinction in Geophysics
Available to students majoring in Geophysics who wish to participate in significant research activities in their major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students who successfully fulfill all of these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in Geophysics” upon graduation. South Carolina Honors College students taking this route would graduate with both Honors in SCHC and “Distinction in Geophysics”.
Requirements:
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.3 overall.
- A written sponsorship agreement from the faculty mentor on file in the department.
- Public presentation of the Senior Thesis research accompanied by a written document approved by the faculty mentor and a second reader that follows the guidelines of the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment.
- 2 courses (6 hours) in addition to the general major requirements, including:
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