University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Geophysics

Employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate an overall 4.9% increase in geoscience jobs between 2019 and 2029, from 460,242 jobs in 2019 to 482,726 jobs in 2029. For comparison, the projected growth of the U.S. workforce over the same timeframe is expected to be 3.7%. Growth rates for individual geoscience occupations range between 0% and 8.4% for all but geoscience engineering managers (-1%).

Marketable Skills

Students will develop:

  • Communication: Reach mutual understanding through effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
  • Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions
  • Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
  • Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question
  • Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal
  • Writing: Communicate using text in a clear and concise manner

Additionally, students will learn about 3-D spatial thinking, the ability to interpret geological maps, mapping skills, sample collection, and organization skills. 

Degree Plan

University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Geophysics Major Requirements
Supporting Math/Science courses
CHEM 1105Laboratory for CHEM 13051
CHEM 1106Laboratory for CHEM 13061
CHEM 1305General Chemistry3
CHEM 1306General Chemistry3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
PHYS 2230Thermal and Fluid Physics2
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
Geophysics Required Courses
GEOL 1313
GEOL 1103
Intro to Physical Geology
and Lab for GEOL 1313
4
OR
Principles of Earth Sciences
and Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
AND ONE OF
GEOL 1314
GEOL 1104
Intro to Historical Geol
and Lab for GEOL 1314
4
OR
Principles of Earth Science
and Laboratory for Geology 1212
Required Courses:
GEOL 2309
GEOL 2109
Mineralogy & Petrology
and Mineralogy & Petrology Lab
4
GEOL 3312
GEOL 3112
Geoscience Processes
and Geoscience Processes Lab
4
GEOL 3215
GEOL 3115
Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology
and Igneous/Metamorphic Petr. Lab
3
GEOL 3323
GEOL 3123
Structural Geology
and Structural Geology Lab
4
GEOL 3326
GEOL 3126
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
and Lab for Sedim & Stratigraphy
4
GEOL 4375Field Geology I3
GEOP 3320AIntroduction to Geophysics3
GEOP 3320BData Interp in the Geosciences3
GEOP 4420AApplied GeophysicsI-Nonseismic4
GEOP 4420BApplied Geophysics II-Seismic4
GEOP 4350Field Geophysics3
Geophysics Electives
Select nine hours of upper division courses from CS, Engineering, GEOL, GEOP, MATH, STAT, or PHYS9
Total Hours120

 

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (Starting with Calculus)

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (Starting with Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
GEOL 1313
GEOL 1103
Intro to Physical Geology
and Lab for GEOL 1313
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
Spring
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
GEOL 1314
GEOL 1104
Intro to Historical Geol
and Lab for GEOL 1314
4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
GEOL 2309
GEOL 2109
Mineralogy & Petrology
and Mineralogy & Petrology Lab
4
GEOL 3312
GEOL 3112
Geoscience Processes
and Geoscience Processes Lab
4
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
Spring
Creative Arts Area3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
MATH 2313Calculus III3
GEOL 3215
GEOL 3115
Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology
and Igneous/Metamorphic Petr. Lab
3
GEOP 3320AIntroduction to Geophysics3
JUNIOR
Fall
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
GEOL 3323
GEOL 3123
Structural Geology
and Structural Geology Lab
4
GEOL 3326
GEOL 3126
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
and Lab for Sedim & Stratigraphy
4
Spring
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
GEOP 3320BData Interp in the Geosciences3
PHYS 2230Thermal and Fluid Physics2
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Social & Behavioral Sciences Area3
SENIOR
Fall
GEOL 4375Field Geology I3
GEOP 4420AApplied GeophysicsI-Nonseismic4
Elective3
Language, Philosophy and Culture Area3
Spring
GEOP 4350Field Geophysics3
GEOP 4420BApplied Geophysics II-Seismic4
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Elective3
Elective3
Total Hours120

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (Starting with Pre-Calculus)

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
GEOL 1313
GEOL 1103
Intro to Physical Geology
and Lab for GEOL 1313
4
MATH 1508Precalculus5
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
GEOL 1314
GEOL 1104
Intro to Historical Geol
and Lab for GEOL 1314
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
SOPHOMORE
Fall
MATH 1312Calculus II3
CHEM 1306
CHEM 1106
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
4
GEOL 2309
GEOL 2109
Mineralogy & Petrology
and Mineralogy & Petrology Lab
4
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
GEOL 3312
GEOL 3112
Geoscience Processes
and Geoscience Processes Lab
4
Spring
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
Creative Arts Area3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
GEOL 3215
GEOL 3115
Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology
and Igneous/Metamorphic Petr. Lab
3
GEOP 3320AIntroduction to Geophysics3
JUNIOR
Fall
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
PHYS 2321
PHYS 2121
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
4
GEOL 3326
GEOL 3126
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
and Lab for Sedim & Stratigraphy
4
GEOL 3323
GEOL 3123
Structural Geology
and Structural Geology Lab
4
Spring
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Social & Behavioral Sciences Area3
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
GEOP 3320BData Interp in the Geosciences3
PHYS 2230Thermal and Fluid Physics2
SENIOR
Fall
Language, Philosophy and Culture Area3
GEOP 4420AApplied GeophysicsI-Nonseismic4
GEOL 4375Field Geology I3
Elective3
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
GEOP 4350Field Geophysics3
Elective3
Elective3
GEOP 4420BApplied Geophysics II-Seismic4
Total Hours125