Course Descriptions

This course is designed for people interested in learning about basic principles of astronomy, geology, and meteorology in an applied setting. This course is offered as a component of our Outdoor Education Program, usually during summer session. Classes meet on campus for several weeks followed by 7-10 days in the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. Topics include: rock and mineral identification, geologic history of the area, geologic time, plate tectonics, topographic maps, surficial processes, physical processes of weather and astronomical features.

This lecture, lab & field-based course is designed for people interested in learning about basic principles of astronomy, geology, and meteorology in an applied setting. This course will be offered as a component of our Outdoor Education Program, usually during summer session. Topics include: rock and mineral identification, geologic history of the area, geologic time, plate tectonics, topographic maps, surficial processes, physical processes of weather and astronomical features. Students will participate in an 8-9 day mandatory field trip to BWCA-Quetico Wilderness Area.

An introduction to environmental geology with emphasis on the impact that globalization has on the environments and on geologic resources of various regions of the world, including the United States. Students will examine the geologic development of a particular region and how various cultures and societies approach environmental and geologic resource management problems. Students will explore their own community for the presence of globalization and they will travel to the country or region of study to meet with environmental experts and to observe first-hand the issues covered in this course.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.