Geosciences
Department Overview
Geoscience is the study of planet Earth, its materials, the processes that act upon them, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. The mission of Skidmore’s geosciences program is to apply the understanding of Earth processes to contemporary issues such as Earth resources, land-use planning, and global change. The program’s curriculum includes ocean and atmospheric sciences, Earth surface processes, and the history of global change. Our courses are designed for students with a general interest in the geosciences as well as for students planning to pursue a graduate degree. We accomplish this mission by providing an environment in which students acquire sound scientific problem-solving, research, and communication skills. Geoscience students obtain a strong foundation for lifelong learning, professional development in the geosciences, and enhanced career opportunities in other fields that require a broadly based background in this discipline. A liberal arts degree in geosciences prepares a student for a number of professional activities related to resource management, climatology, oceanography, hydrology, Earth hazards, land-use planning, earth science teaching, and environmental consulting. Our department contributes to the broader mission of the college by providing courses that enhance student awareness of, and appreciation for, Earth’s dynamic systems and the scientific methodologies by which they are understood. Our program complements and is complemented by Environmental Studies and Sciences in additional to other natural sciences.
Chair of the Department of Geosciences: Jennifer Cholnoky
Associate Professors: Amy Frappier, Kyle Nichols
Teaching Professor: Jennifer Cholnoky
Research Associate: Darren Gravley
Emeritus Professor: Richard H. Lindemann
Administrative Assistant in Geosciences and Environmental Studies and Sciences: Alyssa Meyers
Affiliated Faculty
Chemistry: Juan Navea
Environmental Studies and Sciences: Kurt Smemo
GIS: Charles Bettigole
Library: Andy Krzystyniak
Geosciences B.A.
Effective for Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2022 and Beyond
Fulfill the General College Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Earth Systems Science with Lab | ||
Select an approved course in analytical methods: | 4 | |
Introduction to GIS (or equivalent) | ||
Select one of the following supporting sciences, by the end of junior year: 1 | 4 | |
Principles of Chemistry | ||
Principles of Chemistry | ||
Introductory Physics I with Laboratory: Forces and Energy | ||
Select one of the following Quantitative Skills courses, by the end of the junior year: 1 | 3-4 | |
Calculus I | ||
Calculus II | ||
Introduction to Statistics | ||
Statistical Methods | ||
Biostatistics | ||
Statistical Methods | ||
Data Analysis, Modeling, and Scientific Programming: Earth and Environmental Sciences | ||
Complete the Senior Coda Course | 4 | |
Senior Seminar In Geosciences | ||
Select seven additional GE or GP courses to meet the following requirements: | 23-28 | |
One 100-level course: | ||
GE 102 | The History Of Earth, Life, And Global Change | 4 |
or GE 105 | Earthquakes and Volcanoes: the Hazards of Plate Tectonics | |
or GE 112 | Oceanography: Introduction to the Marine Environment | |
Two 200-level courses, at least 3 credits each 2 | ||
Three 300-level courses, at least 3 credits each 3 | ||
One must be a Writing in the Major course: | 4 | |
Climatology | ||
or GE 301 | Hydrogeologic Systems | |
or GE 304 | Geomorphology | |
Additional courses beyond the major requirements may be recommended for you, depending on your personal interests and goals. Talk with a Geosciences faculty member for guidance. | ||
Total Hours | 46-52 |
- 1
Does not count toward major GPA.
- 2
Only one may be GE275.
- 3
Only one may be GE375 Senior Research in Geosciences. ES 308 Soil and Watershed Science for a Crowded Planet may be substituted for one of the 300-level GE courses.
Effective for Students Who Entered Skidmore Prior to Fall 2022
Fulfill the General College Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
GE 101 & GE 377 | Earth Systems Science with Lab and Senior Seminar In Geosciences | 5 |
Select an approved course in analytical methods: | 4 | |
Introduction to GIS | ||
Remote Sensing of the Earth and Environment | ||
Select one of the following by the end of junior year: | 4 | |
Principles of Chemistry | ||
Principles of Chemistry | ||
Select one of the following by the end of the junior year: | 3-4 | |
Calculus II | ||
Probability and Statistics | ||
Statistical Methods | ||
Data Analysis, Modeling, and Scientific Programming: Earth and Environmental Sciences | ||
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Introductory Physics I with Laboratory: Forces and Energy | ||
Molecular and Cellular Foundations of Life | ||
Organismal Biology | ||
Select eight additional GE or GP courses, including: 1 | 24 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Climatology | ||
Sedimentology | ||
Hydrogeologic Systems | ||
Geomorphology | ||
Oceans and Global Change | ||
Stratigraphy | ||
Select at least two at the 200 level 2 | ||
Select at least three at the 300 level 3,4 | ||
Total Hours | 44-45 |
- 1
One of these may be at the 100 level, (minimum of 3 credits each), excluding GE 399A-D
- 2
Only 1 of which may be GE 275A-C
- 3
Only 1 of which may be GE 375A-D
- 4
ES 308 Soil and Watershed Science for a Crowded Planet may be substituted for one of the 300-level GE courses
Writing Requirement in the Major
As part of the writing-in-the-major requirement, Geoscience students will learn how to clearly propose research ideas and how to concisely convey their findings to broad audiences ranging from other geoscientists to the general public. Students will learn to contextualize their ideas and findings in the existing geosciences knowledge using the standard writing practices of the geosciences.
Learning Objectives for Writing in Geosciences
Students should be able to:
- synthesize and cite information from a variety of sources in their writing;
- articulate clearly hypotheses and methods for scientific research in their writing;
- develop proficiency in expressing results, including addressing uncertainty in the findings;
- convey the implications of findings for the geosciences community and/or the public through their writing; and
- write effective independent and collaborative pieces.
In cooperation with the advisor, a student majoring in geosciences should construct a program to include a broad knowledge of the geosciences in general, as well as specific knowledge of one area of geosciences in greater depth. GE 371 Independent Study in Geosciences is strongly recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or a career in the field.
Geosciences Minor
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Program Requirements | ||
Select at least two GE courses at the 200 level | 6 | |
Select at least two GE courses at the 300 level | 6 | |
Select additional GE courses to complete six GE course requirement | 6 | |
Total Hours | 18 |
Honors
To be recommended for honors in geosciences, students must meet the college requirements of a grade-point average of 3.0 and a 3.5 in the major. Students must also earn at least an A- in GE 371 Independent Study in Geosciences, thereby demonstrating superior accomplishment in the major. Geosciences Honors Forum courses include an optional Honors Add-on with GE 311 Paleoclimatology, HF 300 .