Audit Years
This sample plan and flow chart is suitable for students starting in:
- 2021-22
- Students working from a previous audit year can get the appropriate form from the undergraduate advisor to ensure they are following the right pathway.
General Flow Chart Guidelines
Flow charts are not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Please see degree audit for official list of requirements.
- General Education and Free Electives: 27 credits
- Chemistry: 4 credits
- Physics and Geophysics Fundamentals: 20 credits
- Calculus, Statistics, and Economic Analysis: 26 credits
- Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Structure, Historical, and Depositional Systems: 20 credits
- Computational Geosciences and Geology Electives: 9 credits
- Field Geology and Geophysics: 10 credits
- Advanced Geophysics Electives: 12 credits
I. Core Courses (6 Credits)
- UN 1015
- UN 1025 or one semester of a 3000 level or higher modern language
II. Sophomore Core Courses (6 Credits)
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Social Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning
III. HASS Course Requirements (12 Credits)
- 6 credits 3000- or 4000- level
- 3 credits required from each of these 3 lists:
- Communication and Composition
- Humanities and Fine Arts (HU/FA)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (EC/PSY/SS)
- No more than 3 credits on the Restricted HASS List
IV. Co-curricular Activities (3 units)
The co-curricular requirement consists of three semester units of physical education activities. These units are for graduation, but are not included in the overall degree-credit requirement.
Note: Most physical education activities will last for 7.5 weeks or 0.5 semester. A student would need six of these 0.5 semester units to fulfill the 3-semester unit co-curricular requirement.
Geo Approved Electives can be any GE, PH, MA, or EE course 3000 level or above that is not already required or counted elsewhere.
Candidates for a second degree must meet all the coursework requirements for the major in the second degree with a minimum of 25% of the credit hours required for the degree, beyond the primary degree.
Year 1
Fall
An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1120 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680
Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)
Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Laboratory to accompany CH1150.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Introduction to geosciences as a profession, including discussions of career opportunities and geoscience programs. Earth materials and the earth's processes are also introduced. Includes frequent field trips. Intended for freshman or sophomore students in geological engineering, geology, applied geophysics, hydrology, geotechnics, earth science teaching, or any other geoscience program.
- Credits: 1.0; Graded Pass/Fail Only
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Geological Engineering, General Sciences and Arts, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, Applied Geophysics, Geology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Total 13 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- Take MA 1160 or MA 1161 - Calculus Plus w/ Technology I. Take MA 2160 in the spring of Year 1 and MA 2320 or MA 2330 in the fall of Year 2.
- MA 1160 (or MA 1161) can be a pre-requisite or co-requisite of PH 1100. Take PH 2100 in the spring.
- MA 1160 (or MA 1161) can be a pre-requisite or co-requisite of CH 1150. Take GE 2300 in fall of Year 2.
- CH 1150 and CH 1151 are co-requisites.
- UN 1015 and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
- Freshman core electives may be taken in either order in the first year.
Spring
Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3
A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) and PH 2110(C) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
Experiments covering Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, induction, and geometric optics are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method.
- Credits: 1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100 or PH 1111 or PH 1141 or PH 1161
Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Total 14 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- PH 2100 has PH 1100 and MA 2160 as pre-requisites or co-requisites. Take PH 2200 in fall of Year 2.
- Take GE 3320 in fall of Year 2.
- One semester of 3000 level or higher language course can replace UN 1025.
- UN 1025 and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
- Freshman core electives may be taken in either order in the first year.
Year 2
Fall
An introduction to linear algebra and how it can be used. Topics include systems of equations, vectors, matrices, orthogonality, subspaces, and the eigenvalue problem.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics, Software Engineering, Computer Science
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121
A calculus-based introduction to electromagnetism. Topics include Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic forces and fields, Ampere's law, induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 1200(C) or PH 2261(C)) and (PH 2100 or PH 1160) and MA 2160
Chemical composition, crystal structure, physical properties, and identification of minerals. Environmental controls on their formation. Formation processes, characterization of and exploration of ore deposits. Laboratory focuses on hand specimen identification and introduction to X-ray diffraction and SEM mineral analysis techniques.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1000 or CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)
This course covers the history of the Earth from 4.5 billion years to the present. Plate tectonics is the organizing theme with emphasis on recognizing and evaluating the evidence for the major reorganizations of the Earth's crust.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 or GE 2100
See University General Education Requirements. Select one course from the Core: Critical and Creative Thinking list.
Total 14 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- Take MA 2320 or MA 2330. They have MA 1160 or MA 1161 as a pre-requisite.
- PH 2200 has PH 2100, PH 1200, and MA 2160 as pre-requisites.
- GE 2300 has CH 1150 and CH 1151 as pre-requisites.
- GE 3320 has GE 2000 as a pre-requisite.
- Creative/Critical Thinking can be taken in the spring of Year 2 if Soc. Resp./Ethical Reasoning is taken in the fall. It and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
Spring
First order equations, linear equations, and systems of equations.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics, Computer Science
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160 and (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330)
An introduction to geophysical used in applied and environmental geophysics concentrating on the fundamentals of data reduction and interpretation. This course is not only pertinent for the practicing geoscientist but also for environmental engineers, civil engineers, and others interested in learning how physics can be used to investigate Earth's substance.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200
Identification, physical properties, chemical composition, occurrence, and origin of the important types of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory includes hand specimen description and identification of rocks.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2300
Rock structures and regional settings resulting from the application of deforming forces, including the geometry, origin, and mechanics of folds, foliations, lineations, faults ad joints, and structures in orogenic belts.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000
See University General Education Requirements. Select one course from the Core: Social Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning list.
Total 15 Credits
- MA 3520 has MA 2320 or MA 2330 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3040 has PH 2200 as a pre-requisite. Take GE 3900 in summer of Year 2.
- GE 2310 has GE 2300 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3050 has GE 2000 as a pre-requisite.
- Creative/Critical Thinking can be taken in the spring of Year 2 if Soc. Resp./Ethical Reasoning is taken in the fall. It and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
Summer
Introduction to methods and problems of field geology, interpretation of field relationships, and engineering site investigation. Field areas are located in northern Michigan. Requires geological and/or engineering report and memo writing.
- Credits: 5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
- Semesters Offered: Summer
- Restrictions: Permission of department required
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310 and GE 3050 and GE 3010
Introduction to field geophysical techniques including basic land surveying. Emphasizes the recording, reduction, presentation, and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and electromagnetic data as well as the proper use, care, and calibration of equipment used to collect the data. Requires report writing. Students must provide their own transportation.
- Credits: 5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
- Semesters Offered: Summer
- Restrictions: Permission of department required
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3040 and GE 3010
Total 10 Credits
- GE 3910 has GE 2000, GE 2310, and GE 3050 as pre-requisites.
- GE 3910 is now GE 4091.
- GE 3900 has GE 3040 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3900 is now GE 4090.
Year 3
Fall
Introduction to calculus in two and three dimensions, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include functions of several variables, partial derivatives, the gradient, multiple integrals; introduction to vector-valued functions and vector calculus, divergence, curl, and the integration theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3
A calculus-based introduction to waves and modern physics. Topics include interference and diffraction, special relativity, photons and matter waves, the Bohr atom, wave mechanics, atomic physics, molecular and solid-state physics, and nuclear physics.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 or PH 2260
Introduction to sedimentary processes and their products. Investigates the physical processes controlling sedimentation along with principles of correlation and interpretation of strata. Focuses on interpreting sedimentary rocks as a record of climate, sea-level and tectonic change.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310
Studies economic decision-making for actions occurring over time. Covers decision tools for comparing alternatives, public project evaluation, risk and uncertainty, mutually exclusive decisions, multiple objective decisions, interest rate calculations, cash flow analysis, depreciation and taxes, cost of capital, capital budgeting.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering Management, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Finance; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025 or Modern Language - 3000 level or higher)
See Advanced Geophysics Electives below.
Total 16 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- MA 3160 has MA 2160 as a pre-requisite. Take MA 4515 in spring of Year 3.
- PH 2400 has PH 2200 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3100 has GE 2000 and GE 2310 as pre-requisites.
Spring
An introduction to solution techniques for linear partial differential equations. Topics include: separation of variables, eigenvalue and boundary value problems, spectral methods, fourier series, and Green's functions. Studies applications in heat and mass transfer (diffusion eqn.), and mechanical vibrations (wave and beam eqns.).
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560) and MA 3160
Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies. Topics include methods of data collection, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, statistical inference on means, regression and correlation, and ANOVA.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1020 or MA 1030 or MA 1120 or MA 1032 or MA 1031 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
An introduction to analog and digital electronics with an emphasis on their use in the laboratory. Topics include linear devices and basic linear circuit analysis; diodes; transistors; op-amps; the use of digital components, including logic gates, flip-flops, counters, clocks and microcontrollers, and analog to digital conversions.
- Credits: 4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 or PH 2260
Introduction to quantitative analysis and display of geologic data using R/Matlab, covering basic R/Matlab syntax and programming, and analysis of one-dimensional (e.g. time series) and two-dimensional datasets (i.e. spatial data). Techniques are applied to geological datasets.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121
See Advanced Geophysics Electives below.
Total 17 Credits
- MA 4515 has MA 3520 as a pre-requisite.
- PH 2230 has PH 2200 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3250 has MA 1160 or MA 1161 as a pre-requisite.
Year 4
Fall
See Geology Approved Electives above.
See Advanced Geophysics Electives below.
HASS Electives
See University General Education Requirements.
HASS Electives
See University General Education Requirements.
Total 15 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
Spring
A calculus-based introduction to fluids and thermal physics. Topics include fluid motion, propagation of heat and sound, temperature and the kinetic theory of gases, heat capacity and latent heat, first law of thermodynamics, heat engines and the second law, entropy, and an introduction to statistical mechanics. Offered second half of spring semester.
- Credits: 2.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1160 or PH 2100
See Advanced Geophysics Electives below.
See Geology Approved Electives above.
HASS Electives
See University General Education Requirements.
HASS Electives
See University General Education Requirements.
Total 14 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- PH 2300 has PH 2100 as a pre-requisite.
Electives
Advanced Geophysics Electives
This course focuses on the basic physics behind above- surface remote sensing and remote sensing systems. Topics covered include: properties of the atmosphere, absorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation, instrument design, data acquisition and processing, validation, and basic applications.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 and MA 2160
Geological, geophysical, and geochemical processes in the Solar System are examined. Topics include the formation and evolution of the Solar System, planetary surface processes and water distribution, impact structures, composition, structure, and dynamics of planetary interiors, geophysical exploration of planets.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and PH 2200 and MA 2160
Course covers fundamentals of the physics of earthquakes and seismic energy propagation, and seismic methods to determine Earth structure. Emphasis is placed on natural source techniques, with extension to exploration applications. Weekly labs apply techniques.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered: Fall
- Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3050 and PH 2100
Principles of reflection seismic techniques, including theoretical background and application, and hands-on computer projects. Included are acquisition, data processing, and 2D/3D data interpretation. Students conduct projects using actual commercial-quality seismic data.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered: Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3040
Principles and practice of formation evaluation, primarily through analysis of well logs and the principles and practice of petroleum engineering. Emphasizes reservoir engineering and simulation. Students conduct projects using actual field data.
- Credits: 3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Study and discussion of geophysics topics.
- Credits: variable to 5.0; Repeatable to a Max of 10
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required
Approved literature, laboratory, and/or field geophysics research problem originated by the student or assigned by the instructor. A final report is required.
- Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered: On Demand
- Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Note: With approval of Advisor and Department Chair, exceptions may be granted for Advanced Geophysics Elective requirements.