Department of Geology
Eastern Washington University
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What is a Geoscientist?
Geoscientists tend to be fulfilled individuals who enjoy studying
the Earth and our relationship to it. The Earth is the greatest of all
outdoor laboratories, and it provides a great variety of opportunities to
observe natural processes in action. By applying your knowledge of the
forces that are constantly reshaping our planet, you can seek to reconstruct
the past and anticipate the future. There is no greater reward than
benefiting society by understanding the only planet we know of which sustains
the very existence of all life.
Geoscientists have a natural curiosity about the Earth. How
was it formed? How is it changing? What effects will shrinking
glaciers have on the oceans and climate? How do islands form? What
makes a continent move? Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? What makes
a mountain?
Geoscientists are very concerned about the Earth. Is there a
global warming trend, and what will be its effect on coastal cities,
agricultural belts, and the very fabric of our society? How and where
should we dispose of industrial and nuclear wastes, such as what remediation
can be done to clean up polluted areas like Hanford and Bunker Hill? How
can we fill society's growing demands for energy and conserve natural resources
for future generations, and balance this with ecological concerns?
Geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory
filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By
applying knowledge of forces that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct
the past and anticipate the future.
What is the Profession Like?
Geoscientists may be found sampling the deep ocean floor or
collecting rock specimens on the moon. But the work of most geoscientists
is more "down to earth." They work as explorers for new mineral
or hydrocarbon resources, consultants on engineering or environmental problems,
researchers, teachers, writers, editors, museum curators and in many other
challenging occupations. They often divide their time among the joys of
working in the outdoor environment, the laboratory and the office.
Field work may entail the preparation of geologic maps and
collecting samples that will later be analyzed in the laboratory. For
example, rock samples may be x-rayed, studied under a polarizing or electron
microscope and analyzed for chemical content. Geoscientists may also
conduct experiments or design computer models to test theories in order to
provide data which will mitigate the effects of earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, and flooding.
In the office, they integrate field and laboratory data to write
reports that include maps and diagrams that illustrate the results of their
investigations. Such maps can pinpoint areas favorable to the occurrence
of ores, coal, oil, natural gas or underground water, or indicate subsurface
conditions of construction sites.
Geoscientific work often includes an interesting mix of indoor and
outdoor duties which are seldom found in any other profession.
Geoscientists are employed in a wide spectrum of academic,
industrial, and governmental positions. Salary varies greatly, but is
generally over $30,000 a year for entering geoscientists. The high salary
range is over $56,000 for beginning petroleum geologists.
Program Description
Geology is the science of planet Earth. Geologists use
elements of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics in interpreting the
evolution of the Earth and its life forms. Applied geology addresses
exploitation of Earth resources, evaluation of natural hazards, and assessing
environmental quality. Geologists increasingly employ advanced chemical
and physical analytic techniques and use computers to model natural systems.
Nationwide, approximately half of recent geology graduates are
employed in environmental fields, while a third go on to graduate school. Most
of the rest go into the petroleum industry, teaching, government, or
mining. The Geology Department has close relations with
geotechnical/environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and mining
companies in the Pacific Northwest, which helps to place students in jobs.
Admission Requirements/Preparation
High school students planning to major in Geology should take two
years of algebra, one year of geometry/trigonometry, and one year of chemistry
and physics. They are also encouraged to take four years of
English. The ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely,
both orally and in written form, is fundamental to all sciences.
Entering freshmen and transfer students electing to major in
Geology should contact the Department for advising as soon as possible. Failure
to do so may result in an additional year to finish the B.S. program.
Early completion of the chemistry sequence is especially important for
beginning students.
Geology Programs at Eastern
Students at Eastern have an opportunity to enroll in one of
several geology options, according to their interests.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
This program features fewer courses in geology than a bachelor of
science and is not intended to prepare a student for employment as a
professional geologist.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
This program is designed to give students a broad background in
geology and to prepare them for more advanced degrees.
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Option (B.S.)
This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the
environmental fields of geology, such as ground and surface water or geologic
hazards.
Bachelor of Arts in Education - Earth Science Option (B.A.E.)
This purpose of this major is to prepare students to teach Earth
Science in public and private schools (grades 5-12).
The Faculty
John P. Buchanan, Ph.D., Colorado State University - clastic
sedimentology, environments of deposition, hydrogeology, fluvial geomorphology,
environmental geology
P. Ted Doughty, Ph.D., QueenÕs University - structural and
tectonic evolution of the Inland Northwest; development of fault zone materials
(clay smear and cementation) along normal faults and their impact upon fluid
flow across faults; formation of mima mounds in eastern Washington
Ernest H. Gilmour, Ph.D., University of Montana - invertebrate
paleontology, carbonate petrology, paleoecology
Mohammed Ikramuddin, Ph.D., Miami University - environmental and
analytical geochemistry, geochemical exploration, lead isotope studies, plasma
spectrochemistry
Linda B. McCollum, Ph.D., State University of New York, Binghamton
- paleontology, paleogeography, stratigraphy
Richard L. Orndorff, Ph.D., Kent State University Š environmental
geology, earth surface processes
Jennifer A. Thomson, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts -
mineralogy, metamorphic petrology
Scholarships
The Weissenborn Geology Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of
Al Weissenborn, a prominent geologist who was in charge of the U.S. Geological
Survey office in the Spokane area from 1946 to 1973. Donations from
former EWU students, faculty, the Weissenborn family, and friends from the
geologic community have made this scholarship for Geology Seniors possible.
The Rock Rollers Club of Spokane awards scholarships to selected
residents of the Inland Empire either to help pay the fee required for
Eastern's spring field camp course, or to provide tuition scholarships.
For information on other university scholarships, contact the
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.
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Department of Geology
Eastern Washington University
130 Science Building
Cheney, WA 99004
phone: 509-359-2286
fax: 509-359-4386
email: geol@ewu.edu
Internet site - http://www.geology.ewu.edu/