Course variations

Course summary

Geology is a fascinating, diverse science that seeks to understand the workings of almost every aspect of the modern and ancient Earth. Traditionally, geologists focused on the solid Earth (rocks, minerals, mountain belts, sedimentary basins, oil and gas deposits, and volcanoes) as well as the history of life (paleontology). In recent years, geologists have become increasingly concerned with the history of the Earth's climate, how the changing behavior of the oceans has impacted life and climate, and how life has been affected by, and has affected, the solid Earth. For example, large volcanic eruptions, continental drift, changing sea level, and asteroid impacts have all affected the evolution of life. At the same time, the evolution of life has dramatically affected the composition of the atmosphere and oceans and hence global climate.

Program modules

Modules include the following: GEOL 0040 Physical Geology (3) OR GEOL 0800 Geology (3) OR GEOL 0860 Environmental Geology (3), GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory, GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory, GEOL 1001 Mineralogy, GEOL 1003 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, GEOL 1020 Sedimentology and Stratigraphic, GEOL 1100 Structural Geology, GEOL 1960 Field Camp, GEOL 3900 Colloquium, GEOL 1051 Groundwater Geology, GEOL 1052 Pale climates, GEOL 1055 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy, GEOL 1056 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy, GEOL 1060 Geomorphology, GEOL 1080 Geoarchaeology, GEOL 1200 Paleontology, GEOL 1313 W – Communication for Environmental Professionals.

Entry requirement for international students

Admission requirements include the test scores of GRE and TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum required IELTS score is 6.5. The minimum required TOEFL score is 80 on the IBT (213 on the computer-based test, 550 on the paper-based test).

Qualification

Bachelor degree

Awarding body

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Department name

School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geology and Planetary Science