Department of Geology and Geophysics

Geography Program

122 Geology Building, (307) 766-3386
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/geography
Program Director: Mark T. Clementz

Professor Emeritus:

John L. Allen, William L. Baker, Ronald E. Beiswenger, Thomas Buchanan, Deborah D. Paulson, Gerald Webster

Faculty and Staff Affiliates:

Professors

R. MCGREGGOR CAWLEY, B.A. Kearney State College 1971; M.A. Colorado State University 1974; Ph.D. 1981; Professor of Political Science 1997, 1987.
THOMAS A. MINCKLEY, B.S. Northern Arizona University 1987; University of Arizona 1996; M.A. University of Oregon 1999; Ph.D. 2003; Professor of Geography 2019, 2012.
JACQUELINE J. SHINKER, B.S. University of Arizona 1996; M.A. University of Oregon 1999; Ph.D. 2003; Professor of Geography 2019, 2005.
BRYAN N. SHUMAN, B.A. Colorado College1994; M.S. Brown University 1997; Ph.D. 2001; Professor of Geology 2015, 2007.

Associate Professors

YI-LING CHEN, B.S. National Taiwan University 1989; M.S. 1992; Ph.D. Rutgers University 2000; Associate Professor of International Studies and Geography 2015, 2010.
BRANDON McELROY, B.S. University of Michigan 2000; M.S. 2003; Ph.D. University of Texas 2009; Associate Professor of Geology 2019, 2011.

Assistant Professors

NICHOLAS CRANE, B.A. The Ohio State University 2006; M.A. 2008; Ph.D. 2014; Associate Professor of Geography and International Studies 2021, 2016.
ZOE PEARSON, B.A. University of California Los Angeles 2005; M.A. Ohio State University 2010; Ph.D. 2016; Associate Professor of Geography and International Studies 2021, 2016.

The Geography Program is comprised of faculty from across the University of Wyoming campus with interests and expertise in geography and resource management. The program is transdisciplinary with a focus upon the following:

1.The origin and nature of the physical and cultural environment, how the physical environment and its natural resources form, and how the environment and natural resources affect the quality of life.
2.The ways in which people and institutions affect natural resources and the environment.
3.The ways in which human institutions (e.g. political, economic, social) interact to produce diverse human landscapes.

Learning

The Geography Program has identified four fundamental goals of geography to emphasize in its undergraduate curriculum. These four goals are at the intersection of topically important areas in the discipline of geography. We continue to evaluate student learning in our program to insure our curriculum addresses these fundamental goals as effectively as possible.

Goal 1 - Human-Environment Interaction
Students will be able to identify and explain how humans modify the environment and affect Earth’s biophysical systems through their human activities.

Goal 2 - Biophysical Systems
Students will be able to identify and explain an array of patterns, processes, and interactions in Earth’s biophysical systems occurring at different spatial scales.

Goal 3 - Human-Cultural Systems
Students will be able to identify and explain an array of patterns, processes, and interactions across Earth’s human landscapes at different spatial scales.

Goal 4 - Geographic Thought, Methods and Analysis
Students will understand basic geographic concepts and ideas, and will be capable of using them to inform their work. Students will also demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate tools and techniques for addressing geographic problems and conducting geographic analysis. They will also be able to use multiple methods to examine, represent, and visualize Earth and its geographic characteristics.

Undergraduate Major

In addition to course work required by the university and the college, majors must complete 40 hours of program requirements, all of which must be completed with a grade of C or above, of which at least 15 credits will be 3000-4000 level courses within the selected competencies. All Geography degree students will complete a topical language requirement. Students completing a B.S. degree will need to complete two semesters of a computational or science language (computer programming language, mathematical language or science courses are acceptable) and one additional mathematical, statistical, or science class above the USP Q or PN requirement. Required courses (11 credit hours) include GEOG 1000 or 1020, 1010 or GEOL 1070, and GIST 1100 or GIST 2150. In addition, students are required to complete at least two courses each in Societal and Scientific Competencies and one additional Spatial Competency course. Beyond these requirements students are able to select from any Societal, Scientific, Spatial orTransdisciplianry course listed to complete a total of 40 hours for the B.S. Degree. Courses used to meet program requirements should be discussed with a faculty advisor.

* USP Human Culture: A single language must be taken for two semesters to fulfill the eight hour foreign language requirement for the program. Students taking American Sign Language to fulfill the language requirement of the major will have to take other courses to fulfill the USP H requirements.¹Can substitute computer programming but it does not fulfill the USP H requirement; consult with an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minor

The program offers a minor in geography. Credit requirements range from 18-20 hours of required and elective courses, all of which must be completed with a grade of C or above. Information on the minor program is available on the Geography Program website.

Environment and Natural Resources

The program offers a concentration in the university’s interdisciplinary program, Environment and Natural Resources. A description of the concentration requirements is available online at the ENR website.

Geology and Geophysics

122 Geology Building, (307) 766-3386
FAX: (307) 766-6679
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/geolgeophys
Department Head: Mark T. Clementz

Professors:

MICHAEL J. CHEADLE, B.A. Oxford University 1981; M.S. Cornell University 1984; Ph.D. Cambridge University 1989; Professor of Geology and Geophysics 2021, 2001.

MARK T. CLEMENTZ, B.S. University of Missouri, Columbia 1996; Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz 2002; Professor of Geology 2017, 2005.

NEIL F. HUMPHREY, B.S. University of British Columbia 1978; M.S. University of Washington 1983; Ph.D. 1987; Professor of Geology 2002, 1990.

BARBARA E. JOHN, B.A. University of California-Berkeley 1978; Ph.D. University of California-Santa Barbara 1987; Professor of Geology 2002, 1992.

JOHN KASZUBA, B.S. Beloit College 1982; M.S. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University 1986; Ph.D. Colorado School of Mines 1997; Professor of Geology and the School of Energy Resources 2019, 2008.

SUBHASHIS MALLICK, B.S. Indian Institute of Technology 1976; M.S. 1978; Ph.D. University of Hawaii 1987; Professor of Geology and Geophysics and the School of Energy Resources 2008.

THOMAS A. MINCKLEY, B.S. Northern Ari-zona University 1987; University of Arizona 1996; M.A. University of Oregon 1999; Ph.D. 2003; Professor of Geography 2019, 2012.

JAMES D. MYERS, B.S. University of Rhode Island 1973; M.A. The Johns Hopkins University 1977; Ph.D. 1979; Professor of Geology 1993, 1981.

CLIFFORD S. RIEBE, B.S.E. University of Michigan 1992; Ph.D. University of California-Berkeley 2000; Professor of Geology 2020, 2008.

JACQUELINE J. SHINKER, B.S. University of Arizona 1996; M.A. University of Oregon 1999; Ph.D. 2003; Professor of Geography 2019, 2005.

BRYAN N SHUMAN, B.A. Colorado College 1994; M.S. Brown University 1997; Ph.D. 2001; Professor of Geology 2015, 2007.

KENNETH W. W. SIMS, B.A. Colorado College 1986; M.S. University of New Mexico 1989; Ph.D. University of California - Berkeley 1995; Professor of Geology 2014, 2009.

YE ZHANG, B.S. Nanjing University (PR China) 1998; M.S. University of Minnesota 2004; Ph.D. Indiana University 2005; Professor of Geology 2018, 2007.

Associate Professors:

PO CHEN, B.S. Beijing University 2000; Ph.D. University of Southern California 2005; Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics and the School of Energy Resources 2014, 2008.

ELLEN D. CURRANO, B.S. University of Chicago 2003; Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University 2008; Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics 2017, 2014.

KENNETH G. DUEKER, B.A. Whitman College 1984; Ph.D. University of Oregon 1994; Associate Professor of Geophysics 2006, 2000.

DARIO GRANA, B.S. University of Pavia 2003; M.S. 2005; M.S. University of Milano Bicocca 2006; M.S. Stanford University 2013; Ph.D. 2013; Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics and the School of Energy Resources 2018, 2013.

BRANDON McELROY, B.S. University of Michigan 2000; M.S. 2003; Ph.D. University of Texas 2009; Associate Professor of Geology 2018, 2011.

ANDREW PARSEKIAN, B.S. Dickinson College 2005; Ph.D. Rutgers University 2011; Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics 2020, 2013.

Assistant Professors:

JAMES CHAPMAN, B.S. College of William and Mary, 2003; M.S. University of Texas at El Paso, 2008; Ph.D. University of Arizona, 2018; Assistant Professor of Geology and Geophysics 2018.

SIMONE RUNYON, B.S. Illinois State University 2007; M.S. University of Arizona 2013; Ph.D. 2017; Assistant Professor of Geology and Geophysics 2018.

Research Scientists:

BRADLEY CARR, B.S University of Wisconsin-Madison 1987; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 1995; Associate Research Scientist Senior 2017, 2013.

KEVIN R. CHAMBERLAIN, B.A. Colgate University 1979; Ph.D. Washington University 1990; Research Professor 2004, 1990.

JANET C. DEWEY, B.S. Mississippi State University 1990; M.S. Auburn University 1993; Associate Research Scientist 2017, 2011.

LAURA VIETTI, B.S. University of Wyoming 2006; Ph.D. University of Minnesota 2014; Assistant Research Scientist 2015.

Adjunct Professors:

Sarah Aciego, Vladmir Alvarado, Erin Campbell, Barbara Carrapa, Carrick Eggleston, Eric Erslev, Peter H. Hennings, W. Steven Holbrook, Ranie Lynds

Professors Emeriti:

James I. Drever, William E. Frerichs, B. Ronald Frost, Carol D. Frost, Robert R. Howell, Jason A. Lillegraven, Ronald W. Marrs, Randi Martinsen, James E. McClurg, Scott B. Smithson, Arthur W. Snoke, Ronald C. Surdam, Susan M. Swapp

Geology is the study of the origin, history and structure of the earth. Our undergraduate offerings encompass virtually every aspect of the science, with emphasis on current theory, methods, and applications. The philosophy of the department is to provide sound training in both theory and field observation, and to couple this background with a thorough education in modern laboratory, quantitative, and field techniques required for an understanding of geologic processes.

The setting of the university in the Rocky Mountains is ideal because some of North America’s most outstanding geologic features are within a short drive of campus. The semiarid climate in Wyoming has resulted in excellent exposures of diverse rock types ranging in age from Precambrian to Recent. Deformation of the rocks in the region has been extensive, affording the student a field laboratory that exhibits a wide diversity of styles of faulting and folding. Mineral deposits, petroleum resources, and coal abound in the region.

Undergraduate Majors

The Bachelor of Science in geology is designed for those students who intend to become professional geologists and/or those who plan to attend graduate school in geosciences. The program includes courses normally expected of graduate school applicants, including a summer field camp and courses in related sciences and mathematics. This degree program prepares students for the examination for the professional geologist license.

The Bachelor of Arts in geology and Earth sciences is specifically designed for undergraduates who wish to study Earth sciences as a foundation for careers in a variety of areas, such as environmental law, natural resource business, land use planning, Earth science education, science journalism, and many governmental positions. The B.A. program includes a broad spectrum of courses, and focuses both on information about the Earth and on how society makes decisions that affect the Earth system.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology and Geohydrology is designed for those students who intend to become professionals in environmental fields such as consulting, site assessment, hazard assessment, and remediation. The degree will prepare students for graduate school in environmental disciplines and for entry-level jobs.

Majors in any of the degree programs above may also choose to declare an affiliated degree with the School of Environment and Natural Resources by completing degree requirements for both degrees. Students should consult the section on the School of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics also participates in the Earth System Science interdisciplinary program by offering a concentration in geology for the B.S. degree in ESS. Students interested in this major should consult the section on Earth System Science for curriculum requirements.

Geology Program Objectives: Bachelor of Science

The primary mission of our B.S. geology program is to provide a quality educational experience that prepares men and women to enter careers in geology and related fields. We expect that our graduates should:
• Have the basic knowledge and skills demanded for entry-level competence in typical careers in earth science.
• Be able to apply basic scientific and technical knowledge to specific tasks and problems.
• Cultivate the specific scientific and technical skills that will allow them effectively to serve their employers and to enhance their own career development.
• Develop increased capacity in the skills of independent learning, critical thinking, problem definition, and problem solving.
• Develop enhanced numerical skills and computer literacy as part of an undergraduate program designed to deliver a current and relevant knowledge of their discipline.
• Communicate effectively and professionally through oral, written, and graphical means and to participate effectively in their workplace and in individual and team-related activities.
• Have the broad general education needed to appreciate the role of Earth Sciences in the societal context and appreciate the importance of ethics in the practice of the profession.

Geology Program Goals: Bachelor of Science

The department of Geology and Geophysics has the following specific goals for its B.S. program:
• Students in the B.S. program will receive a quality preparatory education in the discipline that is current, relevant, practical, and personal.
• B.S. students who graduate with appropriate grades will be able to compete successfully for positions at graduate schools nationwide.
• B.S. students who graduate with appropriate grades will be well prepared for entry-level positions as professionals within their and other related disciplines.

Geology Program Objectives: Bachelor of Arts

The primary mission of our B.A. geology program is to provide a broad educational experience that prepares men and women for careers in earth science-related fields. We expect that our graduate should:
• Have the basic knowledge and skills demanded for entry-level competence in typical careers in earth science related fields.
• Be able to apply their knowledge to specific situations or problems.
• Cultivate the skills and ethics that will allow them effectively to serve their employers and to enhance their own career development.
• Develop increased capacity for independent learning, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Develop basic numerical skills and computer literacy as part of an undergraduate program designed to deliver a current and relevant knowledge of their discipline.
• Communicate effectively and professionally through oral, written, and graphical means and to participate effectively in the work environment, both in individual and team-related activities.
• Have the broad general education needed to appreciate the role of Earth Sciences in the societal context and appreciate the importance of ethics in the practice of the profession.

Geology Program Goals: Bachelor of Arts

The department of Geology and Geophysics has the following specific goals for its B.A. program:
• Students in the B.A. program will receive a broad preparatory education in earth science and related fields that is current, relevant, practical, and personal.
• B.A. students who graduate with appropriate grades will be able to compete successfully for positions at graduate schools nationwide.
• B.A. students who graduate with appropriate grades will be well prepared for entry-level positions in the geosciences and other related disciplines.

Required Academic Performance

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in geology, the student must earn a letter grade of C (S where appropriate) or better in each course listed herein as part of the required course programs. This grade requirement applies to course work taken outside the department, as well as to transfer courses credited in lieu of resident requirements.

Undergraduate Minor

A minor in geology requires 18 hours of coursework in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. Students are required to take one GEOL 1000-level course; one GEOL 2000-level course; and fulfill remaining hours with GEOL 2000-level or higher courses in consultation with their adviser. A grade of C or better is required in each of these courses.

Graduate Study

The department offers instruction and research programs leading to master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in both geology and geophysics and to the master of science in geology/water resources.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants must complete an online departmental application form with statement of intent. Forms are available from the Department of Geology and Geophysics Web site at www.uwyo.edu/geolgeophys.

Application deadline is January 15 of each year.

All applicants should have completed undergraduate coursework including mathematics through calculus, one year of chemistry, basic training in geology, and for most areas, one year of calculus-based physics.

Applicants to the geophysics graduate program should have an undergraduate degree in geophysics, geology, mathematics, physics, or engineering.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program, without a M.S. degree, must have attained an exceptional undergraduate record.

Formal approval of application by the departmental admissions committee.

Formal acceptance by an adviser.

Formal notice of admission by the university.

Program Specific Graduate Assistantships

All applicants to the geology and geophysics graduate program are considered for assistantships. Applicants are NOT required to complete the graduate assistant application form.

Program Specific Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Geology

Plan A (thesis) (26 hours of coursework and 4 hours of thesis)

Preliminary and initial advising shall take place upon acceptance to the graduate program to identify background deficiencies and develop a list of required deficiency coursework to be taken. Deficiency coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better early in the student’s graduate residence.

GEOL 5020 Fundamentals of Research is required of ALL graduate students during the first semester of residence.

All graduate students in geology must complete two semesters of GEOL 5200 Distinguished Lecture Series in the first two semesters of residence plus Rocky Mountain Field Trip.

All M.S. students in the Department of Geology and Geophysics will be required to complete a qualifying exam by the end of the second term in residence. Specific department examination requirements are available from the department office. Failure of this exam may result in dismissal from the graduate program.

The candidate’s committee shall evaluate the thesis and conduct the final examination. The final exam is an oral presentation of the thesis, oral defense of thesis, and oral responses to questions relating to ancillary topics. Failure of this exam can result in dismissal. Retaking of the exam is subject to the discretion of the candidate’s graduate committee.

Master of Science in Geophysics

Plan A (thesis) (26 hours of coursework and 4 hours of thesis)

GEOL 5020 Fundamentals of Research is required of ALL graduate students during the first semester of residence.

All graduate students in geophysics must complete two semesters of GEOL 5210 Distinguished Lecture Series in the first two semesters of residence plus Rocky Mountain Field Trip.

M.S. candidates in geophysics must complete 6 hours of mathematics and three hours of physics or engineering courses at the graduate level.

M.S. candidates must take at least 12 hours of 4000- and 5000-level courses in geophysics. Recommended graduate level mathematics courses include differential equations, numerical analysis, and real and complex variables; in physics and engineering they include classical mechanics, continuum mechanics, elasticity, electricity and magnetism. Substitutions for graduate-level geophysics courses may be made with the permission of the candidate’s adviser. Remaining graduate-level course requirements may be made up from courses in physics, engineering, mathematics, and geology.

Doctor of Philosophy in Geology (42 hours of coursework and 30 hours of dissertation research)

Preliminary and initial advising will identify background deficiencies and develop a list of required deficiency coursework. Deficiency coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better early in the student’s graduate residence.

Completion of GEOL 5020 Fundamentals of Research is required during the first semester of residence.

All graduate students in Geology must complete two semesters of GEOL 5200 Distinguished Lecture Series in the first two semesters of residence plus Rocky Mountain Field Trip.

All Ph.D. students in the Department of Geology and Geophysics will be required to complete a qualifying exam by the end of the second term in residence. Specific department examination requirements are available from the department office. Failure to complete the exam by the end of the second semester in residence without an approved extension will result in suspension of the student’s financial support, irrespective of the source of funding. Ph.D. students who fail the exam will be asked to withdraw from the graduate program or to enroll in the M.S. program.

The preliminary examination is administered following completion of 30 hours of 4000-level or higher coursework, not including independent study or research credits. Failure of this exam may, at the discretion of the thesis committee, lead to a re-examination during the following semester in residence, remedial work, or expulsion from the program.

The Ph.D. dissertation and its defense are described in the regulations section of this Catalog. Specific department examination requirements are available from the department office. The candidate’s committee is responsible for monitoring progress of the research, refereeing the written work, and administering the final examination.

Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (42 hours of coursework and 30 hours of dissertation research)

All graduate students in geophysics must complete two semesters of GEOL 5210 Distinguished Lecture Series in the first two semesters of residence plus Rocky Mountain Field Trip.

Completion of GEOL 5020 Fundamentals of Research is required during the first semester of residence.

Ph.D. candidates in geophysics must complete at least 6 additional hours of graduate level coursework: 3 in mathematics and 3 in physics or engineering. Recommended graduate-level mathematics courses include differential equations, numerical analysis, and real and complex variables; in physics and engineering, they include classical mechanics, continuum mechanics, elasticity, electricity and magnetism. Ph.D. candidates are required to take at least 12 hours of 5000-level geophysics courses exclusive of GEOL 5854. Substitutions for graduate-level geophysics courses may be made with the permission of the candidate’s adviser. Remaining graduate-level course requirements may be made up from courses in physics, engineering, mathematics, and geology.

Master of Science in Geology/Water Resources and Master of Science in Geophysics/Water Resources

Please refer to the Water Resources section of the Catalog for degree requirements.

Programs

Major

Minor

Geology Minor

Graduate

Courses

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