2017-2018 USC Lancaster Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]
Geophysics, B.S.
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Program Introduction
The Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics concentrates on the branch of geology that deals with the physics of the earth, including oceanography, seismology, volcanology, and geomagnetism.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts and laboratory skills in the geosciences by responding to written and laboratory-practical exam questions in GEOL 302, 325, 345, 355, 531, 556, 554, 555, 575 and 582.
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- Students will demonstrate knowledge of geological field skills by showing a competency at the proficiency level on a geologic field exercise. In the Geophysics courses GEOL 548 and 554, the field exercise will include a class field project using seismic data and solving a particular geologic problem, such as fault identifications or the presence of sinkholes. For students enrolling in GEOL 500, the field exercise will be a mapping exercise, the Sheep Mountain project.
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- Students will demonstrate their preparation for careers or graduate studies in the geosciences.
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Basic Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degrees (128 Hours)
Note: Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology or Statistics, and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a major in Chemistry require 120 hours. All other Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 128 hours.
- Carolina Core Plus General Education Requirements
- Major
- Cognate or Minor Requirements
- Electives
1. Carolina Core Plus General Education Requirements
CMW: Carolina Core Effective, Engaged and Persuasive Communication: Writing (6 Hours)
- Must be passed with a grade of C or higher.
ARP: Carolina Core Analytical Reasoning and Problem-Solving (A Minimum of 12 Hours)
Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:
Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 12 hours, as specified by the major program, to include:
SCI: Carolina Core Scientific Literacy (8 Hours)
Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:
- Two 4-credit hour laboratory science courses.
GFL: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Communicate Effectively in More than One Language (0-9 Hours)
Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:
- Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required for all baccalaureate degrees. Students can demonstrate this proficiency by successfully completing Phase II of the Proficiency Test or by successfully completing the 122 course, including the exit exam administered as part of that course.
It is strongly recommended that students continuing the study of a foreign language begin college-level study of that language in their first semester and continue in that language until their particular foreign language requirement is completed.
GHS: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking (6 Hours)
Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:
- One Carolina Core GHS-approved course primarily focused on U.S. History: HIST 111, 112, 214, or another GHS approved course determined by the College of Arts and Sciences to fit this geographic category and
- One Carolina Core GHS-approved course primarily focused on non-U.S. History: HIST 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, GERM 280, FILM 300, or another GHS-approved course determined by the College of Arts and Sciences to fit this geographic category.
GSS: Carolina Core Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences (6 Hours)
Specified or additional College of Arts and Sciences Requirement:
AIU: Carolina Core Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding (3 Hours)
Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements:
- Up to two of these requirements may be met in overlay courses. At least one of these requirements must be satisfied by a course not applied elsewhere in general education. (3-9 hours)
CMS: Carolina Core Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Speech (3 Hours)
INF: Carolina Core Information Literacy (0-3 Hours)
VSR: Carolina Core Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (3 Hours)
Other Required General Education Courses for the College of Arts and Sciences
Fine Arts and Humanities Requirements (3 Hours)
- Bachelor of Science degrees require 3 Hours in the fine arts. (May be taken as Carolina Core Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding.)
- Bachelor of Science degrees require an additional 3 Hours in the fine arts or humanities.
Major Prerequisites
The following courses fulfill some of the general education requirements and some cognates, and must be completed for a major in Geophysics:
Major Requirements (34 Hours)
Senior Capstone Experience (4 Hours)
Note:
An approved field course may substitute as the Capstone Experience.
Degree with Distinction in Geophysics
Available to students majoring in Geophysics who wish to participate in significant research activities in the major field under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Requirements:
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.3 overall
- Written sponsorship agreement from the faculty mentor on file in the department.
- A public presentation of the Senior Thesis research accompanied by a written document approved by the faculty mentor and a second reader that follows the guidelines of the Department of Geological Sciences.
2 courses in addition to the general major requirements, including:
Notes:
Students who successfully fulfill all of these requirements will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in Geophysics” upon graduation.
South Carolina Honors College students taking this route would graduate with both Honors in SCHC and “Distinction in Geophysics”.
4. Electives for B.S. Degrees
No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification of inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.
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