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GeologyDept Chair & Core Coordinator: Powell, WayneDeputy Chairperson (CLAS): Leveson, David Location: 3137 Ingersoll Hall Phone: 718-951-5416 Fax: 718-951-4753 
The Department of Geology draws on chemistry, physics, and biology to give students an understanding of our planet, its varied environments, and its 4.5 billion year history. Students learn to observe, record, and interpret data pertinent to geological materials, including minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, water, and energy resources, and to geological processes that alter our natural physical environment-climate change, coastal erosion, mountain building, and the migration of continents among others. Geologists use this information to predict such trends as global warming; to forecast and attempt to mitigate natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; to explore for energy and mineral resources; to assess air, water, and soil quality; and to aid in the remediation of contaminated environments. The department offers a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts in geology as well as a minor in geology. Our undergraduate courses and programs explore the global system and emphasize the geology of the New York City region. We integrate the city as an extension of the laboratory in our curriculum through partnerships with the city's parks, museums, and community educational organizations. Students in the earth science teacher program learn to utilize the city's resources in their middle and high school classrooms, and are introduced to all content areas defined by the New York State standards for earth science. They are thereby prepared for successful completion of the Content Specialty Examination in Earth Science, required for New York State licensure for teacher of earth science. Students who major in geology and maintain high academic standing may apply for honors through independent research under the mentorship of a departmental faculty member. Honors students present the results of their research in a professional meeting or college seminar series. Research may involve field-based studies, lab-based studies in such areas as geochemistry or geophysics, examination of specimens in curated collections, or computational analysis of geological data sets. Department of Geology graduates master a comprehensive education that is a gateway to a wide range of geoscience career options in industry, government agencies, and primary, secondary, and postsecondary education. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies may apply to the master's and doctoral degree programs offered by or in conjunction with this department.
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