Earth and Environmental Geoscience
Earth and Environmental Geoscience
Students in our program are exposed to the breadth of core geoscience fields as well as a wide variety of specialty and interdisciplinary science courses. Our curriculum ensures that students develop analytical thinking, reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a thoughtful, creative and inquisitive intellect. Much of our coursework is hands-on and completed in the field, laboratory or computer classrooms.
"W&L taught me how to ask the right questions and where to look for the answers, whether it be in the library, online, on a hillslope or at the bottom of a river!"
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Read MoreAbout the Program
Lexington is surrounded by some of the most interesting geology in the Appalachian Mountain system — and our programs take advantage of it. Many courses include excursions for hands-on study and intensive field experiences.
The B.S. in earth and environmental geoscience prepares students for graduate school and a career as a geological scientist. The B.A. prepares students for a career in any number of fields in addition to geology and the environment and graduate school.
Opportunities
Research: Students gain experience working with faculty for credit during the academic year or in the summer with stipends. This has resulted in many student co-authored presentations and scientific publications.
Conferences: We offer financial support for students to attend national and international meetings, where many students present their own research.
Spring Term: We provide numerous opportunities for students to learn in exciting locations at both the introductory and advanced level. Geology students have traveled to New Zealand, Iceland, Belize, Greece, the American Southwest, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii for class.
Field Work: We are ideally situated in a geologically rich area of Virginia, with quick access to a wide variety of geology.
Analytical and Computing Capability: We benefit from state-of-the-art analytical and laboratory equipment, including a scanning electron microscope, stable isotope mass spectrometer with gas bench, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, ion chromatograph, X-ray diffractometer, seismic acquisition unit, magnetometers, gravimeter, resistivity unit, unmanned aerial devices, differential GPS, many cutting-edge software programs including ArcGIS and MatLab.
Outcomes
Earth and environmental geoscience alumni work in a variety of fields, including consulting, oil and gas, geophysics, alternative energies, geotechnical engineering, geochemistry, investment and commerce, entrepreneurship, environmental law, academia, secondary education, and as geoscientists in government agencies. Some employers of graduates include:
- Consulting and engineering: Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure, ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Oil and gas corporations: Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Hess, Chesapeake, Advanced Resources Inc.
- Investments and finance: Wells Fargo, DuPont, Hayek Kallen Investment Management
- Conservation and education: Sierra Club, Outward Bound, Brown University, University of North Carolina, Western Albermarle High School Environmental Studies Academy
- Federal and state agencies: EPA, USGS, NOAA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Park Service, North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program
Sample Courses
Sustainable Earth
The study of Earth systems, our physical environment, and the processes shaping our planet with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. There is special emphasis on field study of the region near Lexington.
Global Climate Change
A study of Earth's complex climate system and the impact of human activities on future climates. Through readings, discussions, data analyses and modeling exercises, the past and future changes in temperature, ocean circulation, rainfall, storminess, biogeochemistry, glacial ice extent and sea level are explored.
History & Evolution of Earth
An introductory examination of the origin and physical evolution of the Earth as inferred from the rock record. Areas of particular emphasis include the origin of the solar system and differentiation of the planets; the evolution of the terrestrial atmosphere and hydrosphere; explanations for the development of life; organic evolution and interpretations of "mass extinctions;" the changing configuration of continental blocks and ocean basins by continental drift, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics; and the growth of continental blocks and their mountain systems.
Environmental Field Methods
An introduction to the study of standard methods, equipment and tools used in environmental field investigations. Special attention is given to methods used by geologists to measure, record and report field observations associated with groundwater, surface water, soil and air. Focus is given to the validity of data obtained using various investigative strategies as well as data handling and presentation. The course has an intensive field component using the local watershed as a model environmental system.
Petroleum Geology & Geophysics
A survey of the theory and practice of petroleum geology and geophysics. Topics covered include the nature and origin of petroleum, a study of where oil and gas accumulate from the perspective of basin analysis, and the basic principles of reflection seismology and petrophysics. The key petroleum system elements of source, charge, seal, reservoir and trap are studied within the context of how a geologist or geophysicist goes about exploring for and developing petroleum accumulations. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry software and data to analyze geologic features, deposits and basins that are relevant to petroleum exploration and production.
Tectonics & Thermochronology
An introduction to mountain belts and thermochronologic techniques used to quantify tectonic processes. Topics include orogenic wedges, metamorphic core complexes, rifting, strike-slip systems, orogenic plateaus, the relationship between tectonics and climate, and the use of bedrock and detrital thermochronology to measure rates of faulting, erosion and exhumation. Concepts are discussed in the context of natural examples, including the Appalachians, the European Alps, the Himalaya, the Andes and the Basin and Range Province of the Southwestern United States.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
