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Boone Pickens School of Geology
Boone Pickens School of Geology Earth is the residence of the human race; therefore, it is essential to develop a better understanding of the composition, internal and external processes that affect the Earth. Earth is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe geologic processes in action. By applying knowledge of forces that shape Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. Geoscientists provide information to society for solving problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection, and public health, safety and welfare. Geology is concerned with the processes, the history, and the characteristics of the rocks and sediments that shape the Earth. Human activities, predominantly on or near the surface, have utilized rocks and rock products, mainly petroleum and metals, to contribute to the quality of life. Because the Earth is dynamic—that is, the land surface is constantly changing—knowledge of earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, floods and landslides, to name a few dynamic events, is critical to minimize human suffering and economic loss. Within geology, different specialties, such as petroleum geology, ground-water geology (hydrogeology), geomorphology (study of surface processes), structural geology, and paleontology (study of fossils), have developed. The Boone Pickens School of Geology offers traditional academic program services, awards BS, MS and PhD degrees in geology and conducts various outreach programs. Geology majors are provided a quality education designed to develop leadership skills and enhance employment opportunities. The faculty of the Boone Pickens School of Geology conduct research in the areas of continental tectonics, conventional and unconventional energy resources, environmental issues, paleoclimatology, geophysics/remote sensing. In these areas, the school has already established a sound infrastructure—appropriate faculty appointments, laboratory and computer upgrades, and a sound record of productivity. Geology undergraduates are eligible for one of at least 10 available departmental scholarships, based on academic achievement and need. Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships are available for qualifying geology graduate students. Geologists are employed extensively in applied and pure research and in teaching. Applied research includes the exploration for, and development of, oil and gas fields, metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits, and reservoirs of ground water. The geologist is well prepared to pursue and direct environmental studies. Careers in research may be found with private employers, government agencies or universities. Teaching positions in geology are available at all levels, beginning with secondary education. As with most other sciences, more employment opportunities will be available to students with advanced training and a broad background. In general, careers as teachers in a college or university and in research are open only to those with graduate training. Undergraduate Programs • Geology, BS (p. 1098)
Graduate Programs Prerequisites
The student should have at least 30 credit hours in geology, including courses in physical geology, historical geology, mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, structural geology and field camp. Additional undergraduate requirements to enter the master's degree program include: two classes in chemistry or geochemistry, two classes in physics, math through calculus II and one biology course. Deficiencies in coursework must be made up by the student after entering the program. The Graduate Record Examination is recommended, but not required, for admission to the program. The Master of Science Degree The MS is awarded through the completion of a thesis. Each candidate must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of work beyond the prerequisites. As many as 12 of these may be taken in other departments of the University upon approval by the candidate's advisory committee. A final defense of the thesis and the research that it documents is required of all students. The Doctor of Philosophy Degree The PhD is awarded upon completion of a doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 60 credit hours (coursework and research hours) beyond the MS or MA degree are required for the PhD. Under normal circumstances, students must hold a master's degree in geology or a related field to be accepted into the PhD program. However, under exceptional circumstances, students may be accepted directly into the PhD program without a master's degree. Such students will be required to complete a total of 90 semester credit hours (coursework and research hours) to earn their degree. Such decisions are made by the entire faculty of the School of Geology, upon recommendation of the Graduate Adviser. To be admitted to candidacy, students must pass a written and oral qualifying exam, and successfully defend their dissertation research proposal and pass an associated comprehensive exam. The PhD is conferred after the successful defense of the dissertation. Faculty Camelia Knapp, PhD—Professor and Head Professors: Mohamed Abdelsalam, PhD (Boone Pickens Endowed Chair in Geophysics); G. Michael Grammer, PhD (Chesapeake Energy Corporation Chair of Petroleum Research); Jay M. Gregg, PhD (V. Brown Monnett Chair of Petroleum Geology); Todd Halihan, PhD; Jim Knapp, PhD (Boone Pickens Chair of Geoscience); Jack Pashin, PhD (Devon Energy Corporation Chair of Basin Research) Associate Professors: Priyank Jaiswal, PhD; Daniel Laó Dávila, PhD; James Puckette, PhD; Tracy Quan, PhD Assistant Professors: Ashley Burkett, PhD; Ahmed Ismail, PhD; Natascha Riedinger, PhD; Javier Vilcaez, PhD Teaching Assistant Professors: Brendan Hanger, PhD Visiting Assistant Professors: Mary Hileman, PhD
• Geology: Environmental Geology, BS (p. 1100) • Geology: Petroleum Geology, BS (p. 1102) • Geology: Pre-Law, BS (p. 1104) • Geology: Secondary Teacher Certification, BS (p. 1106)
• Geology (GEOL), Minor (p. 1097)
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