Earth Sciences Degree Programs

Earth Sciences faculty offer field-based courses in the spring and summer that take students to geologically significant and even unique locations throughout the American West. The courses have visited sites from the Badlands to the Grand Canyon, from the Cascades to Devils Tower. 

Some of the costs of these courses are supported by the Allen M. “Doc” Thompson Fund, named for the faculty member who pioneered taking UD field courses out of the region to explore the geological features unavailable on the East Coast.

Must be approved by a vote of the faculty. All field experiences must satisfy the University's Discovery Learning Experience requirement. This may require adding additional components to courses offered by other institutions.

The student’s adviser will be responsible for ensuring that all forms are completed to ensure that the student receives DLE credit for the field experience

All field experiences must satisfy the University's Discovery Learning Experience requirement. Students choosing Option 3 must communicate the results of their work in written and oral/graphical form (i.e. verbal and/or poster presentation).

PROCEDURE, IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION PLANNING FOR OPTION 3:

1. The student first discusses the proposed field experience with their adviser at least 1 term before the field experience is to begin.
2. The student will write a 1-­page description of the proposed project and turn it in to their adviser at least 1 term before the proposed field experience is to begin.
3. The student’s adviser will inform the Chair, who will then schedule a discussion of the proposed project for the next scheduled faculty meeting.
4. The student’s adviser will inform the student of the faculty’s comments and decision regarding the project.
5. If approved, the student will enroll in GEOL466 (3 credits) to receive credit for the field experience. The faculty mentor directing the field project will serve as the instructor of record.
6. The student’s faculty mentor will be responsible for scheduling, facilitating, and providing an assessment of the student’s written and verbal presentations of the results of the project. The mentor will also be responsible for ensuring that all forms are completed to ensure that the student receives DLE credit for the field experience.