- The Learning Environment
The Learning Environment
Courses in the Department of Geology are focused on the latest concepts in Earth and environmental science with the goal of training the next generation. Introductory courses are typically in large lecture settings with an independent, smaller laboratory course. All remaining class sizes range from 20 to 50 students, most of which involve a hands-on laboratory component. Field trips occur commonly in laboratory periods and/or during weekends. The capstone course is a 4-week-long field-skills class that takes place in the western US in the early summer of students’ junior or senior years. Many geology students have opportunities to work in a hands-on research environment supervised by faculty and graduate students.
About Our Facilities
A variety of teaching and research equipment is available to students enrolled in the geology program. A computer facility within the departmental space is used during many laboratory sections. Our earth materials classroom contains modular student work spaces with state-of-the-art microscopes and other equipment commonly used to study rocks and minerals, and a sedimentary laboratory is fully stocked with research-grade equipment for analyzing a variety of material properties. A variety of field equipment is available for student use on class field trips and at the summer field school. An abundance of research-grade equipment in faculty labs is available to students working closely with faculty and graduate students.
About Our Faculty
There are typically about fourteen full-time faculty members and usually one or two part-time instructors in the department. We also have numerous adjunct, research and emeritus professors. Faculty members have extensive research experience and well-established international reputations; they work all over the world and support research groups consisting of graduate students. Undergraduate students have ample opportunities to work directly with faculty on research projects - via volunteer, pay or independent study.
Faculty List Directory
Please visit the Geology department website for additional information about our faculty.