Undergraduate Advisers (2009-2010)
| • Laurel Goodwin | Structural Geology | 175 Weeks Hall | 265-4234 | laurel@geology.wisc.edu |
| • Dana Geary | Paleontology | 315 Weeks Hall | 263-7754 | dana@geology.wisc.edu |
| • Clark Johnson | Geochemistry | 329 Weeks Hall | 262-1710 | clarkj@geology.wisc.edu |
| • Cliff Thurber | Geophysics | 104A Weeks Hall | 262-6027 | clifft@geology.wisc.edu |
| • Herb Wang | Hydrogeology/ Geophysics | A254 Weeks Hall | 262-5932 | wang@geology.wisc.edu |
Studies in Geoscience
The complementary fields of geology and geophysics are combined in one interdisciplinary
department, with graduate degrees offered in both disciplines.
The undergraduate degree is
in Geology and Geophysics.
Geology offers unusual opportunities to interweave knowledge from many disciplines in the study
of natural Earth phenomena. Those who enjoy the challenge of integrating different kinds of
information into a unified interpretation will find geology particularly satisfying. Most
geology students enjoy travel and have a strong interest in the natural environment as it is
today and as it has developed through the past 4.5 billion years. A natural capacity for
historical and sequential thought, inductive reasoning, and three-dimensional perception is
helpful, and these skills will be developed. Geological investigations are becoming
increasingly quantitative and experimental, and thus require some computer experience and a
strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
The student of geophysics is interested in developing a quantitative understanding of the
structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior from the shallow crust to deep core. Courses
in geophysics apply basic physical laws and processes, such as those governing gravity,
magnetism, heat flow, and seismic wave propagation, to the study of the Earth.
An undergraduate may choose to concentrate in geophysics, but professional employment in the
field often requires an advanced degree. Most students who pursue advanced study and careers
in geophysics major in geology, physics, mathematics, or engineering as undergraduates.
Careers
More than half of all professional geologists and geophysicists work in hydrogeology or the
petroleum and mining industries. Such jobs involve an unusual breadth of training and personal
adaptability, and the M.S. degree is generally required. About one fifth of all geoscientists
work in state and federal geological surveys, and in government research activities such as
oceanographic programs. These positions largely involve problems in geologic mapping, mineral
resources, groundwater, and engineering. Geophysics offers opportunities in earthquake studies,
seismic verification of nuclear test bans, and crustal rock characterization techniques for
waste disposal and groundwater modeling. Many geology and geophysics students in our program
continue on to obtain a Ph.D. degree and become faculty members at a college or university
(see Geotimes, GSAToday, or EOS for academic job listings). A major in geology or geophyiscs
is also appropriate for those interested in careers in elementary or secondary education,
environmental policy, or environmental law. Faculty advisers can provide additional information
on career opportunities.
Preparation for Graduate Study
An advanced degree is normally required for professional activity in geological and geophysical
sciences; the student who contemplates such a degree should satisfy both departmental and
Graduate School requirements for admission to graduate study.
Minimum requirements for admission to graduate work in geology or geophysics at most
universities in the United States, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, are:
| Jean Bahr | Hydrogeology |
| Phil Brown | Economic geology, mineralogy, and petrology |
| Alan Carroll | Sedimentary basin analysis, clastic sedimentology, organic geochemistry |
| Anders Carlson | Paleoclimatology, Quaternary, Glacial Geology |
| Chuck DeMets | Plate kinematics, aeromagnetics, and geodesy |
| Kurt Feigl | Tectonic Applications of Geodesy |
| John Fournelle | Volcanic petrology. Director of Microbeam Analysis Lab |
| Dana Geary | Paleobiology and evolutionary theory |
| Laurel Goodwin | Structural geology, fluid/fault interactions |
| Clark Johnson | Igneous petrology and isotope geochemistry |
| Clay Kelly | Paleobiology, paleontology, climate change |
| Shanan Peters | Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology |
| Eric Roden | Geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology |
| Nita Sahai | Aqueous & environmental geochemistry, theoretical geochemistry, mineral surface-water interactions |
| Joe Skulan | Vertebrate Paleontology |
| Brad Singer | Igneous petrology, geochemistry, geochronology |
| Richard Slaughter | Vertebrate Paleontology. Director of Geology Museum |
| Cliff Thurber | Seismology, tectonics, and theoretical geophysics |
| Basil Tikoff | Structural geology, tectonics, geophysics |
| Harold Tobin | Geophysics |
| John Valley | Metamorphic petrology and stable-isotope geochemistry |
| Herb Wang | Rock mechanics and geodynamics |
| Huifang Xu | Mineralogy and electron microscopy |
Requirements for the Major -
Qualifications:
Honors
Programs of Study