Geology

Geology is the study of the Earth and includes understanding the dynamic processes that influence the Earth’s surface, solid Earth, life and climate. Geology majors utilize fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, and biology to examine the dynamics of the Earth system to understand the interaction between biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and the solid Earth. Apart from regular lectures, geology majors have the opportunity to explore the Earth in its natural elements through rigorous fieldwork training. Students also have the opportunity to pursue summer research or research related to their major dissertation through field and laboratory research in geochemical analysis and experimental geophysics. Students will have access to various research facilities housed across the main campus and the National Science Foundation-funded, FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Recent alumni with a geology degree have had distinguished careers in academia, industry and government.

Geological work consists of collecting data and measurements from field observations, indirect sensing devices, laboratory experiments, and systematic evaluations of these data and measurements.

The curriculum also includes courses in chemistry, physics and calculus. A six-week summer field course is required. To allow optimal flexibility in planning upper-division programs, the mathematics and chemistry requirements should be started in the freshman year.