Science Degrees Online

Welcome to SUNY Cortland. As the tenth president of the College, I am proud of this fine institution and its place within the State University of New York system.

SUNY Cortland has compiled an impressive record of accomplishment and is poised for even greater achievements. In particular, I am excited that teaching remains the central function of SUNY Cortland and that excellence in teaching continues to be its primary goal. I am also proud that the College is a place where faculty members are teacher-scholars who recognize and appreciate how scholarship and teaching can inform the learning process. Further, as a SUNY institution, the College shares SUNY’s commitment to excellence and access, providing a quality education to many citizens who never could have afforded it otherwise.

Throughout the years, SUNY Cortland has met the needs of students of varying abilities and backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity and tools to meet educational, career and life objectives. Many of our more than 58,000 alumni are first-generation college graduates, and they occupy positions that run the gamut from teacher to performing artist to politician to stockbroker. Still, these alumni share common bonds, such as the lifetime friendships they developed on campus, and the faculty, staff members and coaches who motivated them to achieve more than they thought was possible. Frequently, too, SUNY Cortland students and graduates understand their responsibility to their communities and play an active service role in those communities.

Virtually any institution of higher education is capable of producing literate graduates who have mastered fundamental skills and knowledge. At SUNY Cortland, we strive for more: To produce graduates who can make a difference in an ever-changing world. As you review this catalog, take note of the qualities we emphasize in our programs, including: a solid knowledge base; writing, reading and speaking skills; problem solving and critical thinking; effective interpersonal communication; and the intelligent use of technology.

We also seek to develop these qualities within the context of challenges facing our world, such as the preservation of our environment; the appreciation of diversity and of art, music and theater; an understanding of history; the roots of prejudice; and the power of science and technology. In this way, we strive to prepare our students to apply what they know for the betterment of society, for “the common good.”

Once more, welcome, and I hope this represents the beginning of a productive and lasting relationship between you and the College.

The major in geology with a concentration in environmental science provides a broad-based program designed to meet the professional and graduate school demands of environmental geoscientists.

The science of geology encompasses the earth, from plate tectonics to the processes that shape landscapes. With increasing demand on natural resources and a growing concern for environmental stress, geology offers the challenge of field studies and lab experience, while investigating problems of global, regional and local significance. Interaction between geologists and other scientists and engineers offers challenging and meaningful career options.

GEL 201 Introduction to Physical Geology (4 cr.)
GEL 302 Historical Geology (4 cr.)
GEL 306 Introduction to Paleontology (4 cr.)
GEL 312 Mineral Science (4 cr.)
GEL 408 Structural Geology (4 cr.)
GEL 411 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (4 cr.)
ESC 350 Computational Methods in the Field Sciences (3 cr.)
ESC 391 Writing in the Earth Sciences (1 cr.)
ESC 493 Seminar on Earth Science Problems (2 cr.)
Designated electives (12 cr.):
GEL 415 Geomorphology (4 cr.)
ESC 455 Soil Science (3 cr.)
GEL 462 Groundwater (4 cr.)
GEL 457 Geochemistry (4 cr.)
Required corequisite courses (24 hours):MTH 201-202 Calculus I, II (8 cr.)
PHS 201-202 Physics I, II (8 cr.)
CHM 205-206 Chemistry I, II (8 cr.)

Students of geology at The College at Brockport have contact with professional geologists of the department faculty in a close knit, informal scholastic environment. The faculty is readily accessible to students for advice in curricular and career planning.

While learning the fundamental concepts of geological science, students are trained to think analytically, creatively, and quantitatively, gaining first-hand experience in laboratory and field techniques used in the study of geological materials. Classes are small, generally 20 or less. Appropriate field experiences are integral to the program; the development of observational and analytical skills in actual field situations is stressed. Field work is an important component of course work. Upper-level students with appropriate training and demonstrated ability may participate in faculty research or other Independent Study projects for credit. In the required senior seminar, geology students gain valuable experience working on a small research project with the guidance of a faculty member. Results are presented orally to an audience of fellow students and faculty.

Course Listing
Meteorology majors must earn a minimum of 41 credits in meteorology and complete one year of college level physics with laboratory; two semesters of calculus; differential equations; and chemistry. Additional supporting work in the sciences and mathematics is strongly recommended. The computer literacy requirement should be met with a programming course.
To make normal progress toward the degree, students should take ESC 391 and ESC 350 in the sophomore year (or junior year at the latest), and ESC 493 in the senior year. In planning your program of study, please note that a number of required courses are offered every other year.
Required major courses (41 hours):ESC 211 Introduction to Meteorology (4 cr.)
ESC 311 Synoptic Meteorology (4 cr.)
ESC 312 Weather Forecasting (4 cr.)
ESC 350 Computational Methods in the Field Sciences (3 cr.)
ESC 351 Lab Experiences in Scientific Programming (1 cr.)
ESC 391 Writing in the Earth Sciences (1 cr.)
ESC 313-314 Environmental Climatology and Laboratory
ESC 412 Hydrology (4 cr.)
ESC 415 Physical Meteorology (3 cr.)
ESC 416 Thermodynamics and the Boundary Layer (3 cr.)
ESC 417 Dynamic Meteorology (3 cr.)
ESC 420 Atmospheric Sensing Methods (3 cr.)
ESC 493 Seminar (2 cr.)
Meteorology electives by advisement (6 cr.)
Required corequisite courses (23 hours): MTH 201-202 Calculus I, II (8 cr.)
MTH 455 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
PHS 201-202 Physics I, II (8 cr.)
CHM 205 Chemistry I (4 cr.)

Designated electives:ESC 200 Introduction to Oceanography (3 cr.)
ESC 313 Environmental Climatology (3 cr.)
ESC 314 Climatology Laboratory (1 cr.)
ESC 412 Hydrology (4 cr.)
ESC 421 Air Pollution Meteorology (3 cr.)
ESC 432 Tropical Meteorology (3 cr.)
ESC 452 Mesoscale Meteorology (3 cr.)
ESC 460 Meteorological Internship (1-3 cr.)
ESC 399/499 Independent Study (1-3 cr.)

Recommended supporting courses include:CHM 206 College Chemistry II (4 cr.)
CSC 203 Fundamentals of Computer Science I (3 cr.)
CSC 205 Fundamentals of Computer Science II (4 cr.)
CPS 201 Computational Science Tools I (3 cr.)
CPS 202 Computational Science Tools II (3 cr.)
PHS 300 Classical Physics (3 cr.)
PHS 301 Mathematical Methods of Physics (3 cr.)
MTH 203 Calculus III (3 cr.)
MTH 471 Numerical Analysis (3 cr.)

The Meteorology major is structured as a professional preparation track to employment with the National Weather Service, governmental agencies, the military services, private meteorological and engineering firms, and as prerequisite to graduate study in the atmospheric and related sciences. The strong physical science orientation of the program prepares students to enter numerous related fields, including environmental and computer science, hydrology, and wind and solar energy utilization. Designed to provide a sound basis for the student with strong aptitude and interest in mathematics, physics, and chemistry in application to the atmospheric environment, this plan of study may be oriented toward a special interest area by the judicious choice of electives.

Recent graduates have gone on to attend nationally renowned graduate schools, to operate their own weather and environmental forecasting and consulting companies; and to work for state and county agencies, public utilities, U.S. Government laboratories, commercial airlines, the military services, and private industry.

Student’s have completed internships at local TV stations including 13 WHAM (ABC), and WHEC 10 (NBC), the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel and the National Severe Storms Lab to name a few.

Geology students engage in both field studies in local and regional locals, and laboratory studies in our modern labs. Undergraduate research opportunities extend learning opportunities outside the classroom and lead to presentations at national conferences.

The geology major is structured to provide the fundamental skills in geology and supporting courses in chemistry, physics and math while allowing students the flexibility to tailor their degree to individual interests. The curriculum provides the foundations required by graduate schools and employers for a wide variety of careers in areas such as environmental geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and oil and natural gas exploration.

Pursuit of a professional career normally entails postgraduate study; however, direct employment opportunities are available to qualified graduates. Brockport geology graduates have been very successful in gaining admission to graduate schools, and in progressing to professional employment with various governmental agencies and private industry. Many of our graduates who have gone on to graduate studies have been awarded assistantships which cover a substantial part of the costs.

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Accreditation Information :
Pre Requisite Courses :
Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
Financial Aid / Scholarship Offered :
Courses :