Geological Sciences BA - Academic Experience

Geology summer field course (field camp): The 6-credit field camp course is a highlight of the undergraduate program. It is held for four weeks during the early summer in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado and operates from a mobile base camp. The course teaches applied geological field methods.

There are numerous opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in the exciting research activities within the Department of Geology. Undergraduates have been involved in research topics as diverse as glacial geology, watershed hydrology, paleontology, volcanology, and planetary geology, and have worked in Alaska, Greenland, South America, and here in New York State. Many of these opportunities come with partial funding. Students generally register for independent study with a faculty advisor, pending availability so they earn credits while learning about how research is conducted and building their resume. Additional opportunities exist in research groups by assisting graduate student research. Many students get practice writing reports and presenting at conferences.

We encourage geology majors to study abroad; universities around the world offer courses in geology. We recommend that interested students consult the Office of Study Abroad Programs and the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Geology.

As a geology major, students are encouraged to join the UB Geology Club, an active undergraduate student organization that sponsors field trips to sites of geological interest, community service events, visiting lectures, picnics and special outings. UB Geology Club is also a good source to learn about the geology job market and current geologic issues as the club may bring in speakers from time to time to discuss various topics. Officers are elected each year.

See the UB Student Association webpage.

Reginald H. Pegrum Award: This award is available to graduating geology majors. Dr. Reginald H. Pegrum, founder of the department, established an annual award to be presented to an outstanding senior majoring in geology. The student selected is presented with a check and a certificate.

Gilbert Jaffe Memorial Award: This award is given to a graduating senior in geology, with preference given to a student excelling in marine geology or environmental science. The award consists of a check and a certificate.

Duttweiler Field Camp Award: Thanks to the generosity of alumna Dorthea Duttweiler, this award is given to one or more outstanding student(s) attending the Department of Geology's summer field camp, with preference given to females as specified by the donor. An award is presented to the top UB attendees.