| Degrees
Offered: BA in geology, BS in geology and
geophysics, MS in geology and geophysics, PhD in geology and geophysics
The Academic Program
Geology and geophysics (GG) are important branches of
the geosciences, which encompass the scientific study of Earth and other
bodies in our solar system. Thus, the scope of the geosciences is
extremely broad. Geology and geophysics tend to focus primarily on the
solid, rocky portions of planets (including Earth) but have important
ties to meteorology and oceanography. The Earth and other planets are
highly dynamic; geoscientists study the internal and surface changes
that occur to decipher the fundamental causes of these changes. In turn,
these studies shed light on the origin and evolution of Earth, the other
planets, and, indeed, the entire solar system. The range of interest in
the Earth and planetary sciences is from submarine volcanism to
monitoring the environment, from coastal erosion to past climate
changes, from the origins of life to monitoring the earthquakes of
active volcanoes, and from the composition of meteorites and Mars to the
distribution of petroleum and water resources. The geosciences offer a
richness in variety and unrivaled opportunity for multidisciplinary
research on problems of great intellectual and practical importance.
Geology and geophysics have much to offer students
curious about humankind’s place in nature. Undergraduate majors can
look forward to expanding opportunities in both the private and the
public sectors (e.g., petroleum, mining, the environment, geological
hazards, hydrogeology). Such jobs offer incredible variety, the
opportunity to work outdoors, and many opportunities for distant travel.
Prospective undergraduates are strongly encouraged to build a solid
background of understanding in chemistry, physics, and mathematics as
these disciplines are essential for solving the basic questions about
how Earth and the other planets work. Students with graduate degrees
(both MS and PhD) can look forward to interesting research careers in
industry, government, or in colleges and universities. The intellectual
rewards of basic geosciences research are comparable to such other
exciting fields as biomedical research, particle physics, and cosmology.
Geosciences have many exciting frontiers and challenges for the future
including learning to predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,
discovering the history of Mars, and understanding the forces that move
the surface plates of Earth.
At the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, the
department offers outstanding programs of study at the graduate and
undergraduate levels. The faculty is large (about 30 teaching and
research faculty and about 30 additional graduate faculty) and diverse,
so there are strong programs in all major subdisciplines. The geographic
location in the midst of the Pacific Ocean and the rich geologic setting
provide a natural focus for research programs in seismology, volcanology,
marine geology and geophysics, planetary science, sedimentology,
hydrogeology, geochemistry, paleoceanography, meteorites, and many other
fields. The quality of the school’s research vessels, submersibles,
and analytical and computing facilities reflects its commitment to
excellence in field studies, as well as in theoretical and modeling
studies. The quality of the faculty, research facilities, and
opportunities is difficult to match.
Advising
Students contemplating a major or minor in geology and
geophysics should visit the undergraduate adviser at the earliest
opportunity. Inquire at the department’s student services office, POST
701C. Since geology and geophysics students have a variety of
backgrounds and interests, the undergraduate adviser coordinates a board
of advisers for a proper match of student and adviser.
Undergraduate Study
BA in Geology
Requirements
Study of the BA includes 39 credits in the geology and
geophysics curriculum including one introductory level geology course
with a lab (GG 101 or 103, and GG 101L), four non-introductory GG
courses (GG 201, 202, 203 and 305) and 20 credits of approved electives
in geology and geophysics. With advice and consent of the undergraduate
adviser, courses in other natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering
may be substituted as electives. Required support mathematics and
science courses include physics, chemistry, biological science, and one
semester of college calculus.
Required GG
Courses
GG 101 Dynamic Earth, or 103 Geology of the Hawaiian
Islands, and
GG 101L Dynamic Earth Lab (3/1)
GG 201 Earth Materials (4)
GG 202 Earth History (4)
GG 203 Earth Structure and Dynamics (4)
GG 305 Geological Field Methods (3)
Required Support Courses
CHEM 161/161L and 162/162L General Chemistry I and II/Lab or
CHEM 171/171L Principles of Chemistry
MATH 205 Calculus I
PHYS 151/151L, 152/152L College Physics
Biological Sciences (a 3-credit class listed under the natural sciences
section of the University’s General Education and Core requirements)
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