Southwest U.S. Geology Field Course (GEOL 3401/3402)

Pending student interest and available university resources, the Southwest U.S. Geology field course to New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah may be offered during Summer, 2008. For additional information, please contact Dr. Warner Cribb (cribb@mtsu.edu).

Description

The two-week field course (4 credit hours) is an introduction to the geology and geomorphology of National Parks and National Monuments in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The objective of the course is to develop a fundamental understanding of the geologic history and geologic evolution of some of our most spectacular national parks. The course is taught the lower division (freshman-sophomore) level. The only course prerequisite is one introductory course in Earth Science (GEOL 1030/1031) or Physical Geology (GEOL 1040). Accordingly, the course is appropriate for students of all majors.

During the field course, students visit and study the geology and geomorphology of a number of National Parks throughout the Desert Southwest. Past field courses have studied the geology of Grand Canyon, Bryce, Arches, Petrified National Forest, Zion, Painted Desert and Canyonlands National Parks. Student grades are determined on the basis of 'on the trail' quizzes and basic geology field exercises.

Note: This course does not fulfill the geology field camp requirement for the MTSU major in geology, nor is it cross-listed with GEOG 3401-3402. However, with advisor approval the course may be used as an elective within any major in the Dept. of Geosciences.

Travel

All students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Phoenix, AZ. Reasonable round-trip airfare between Nashville and Phoenix is typically available by monitoring commercial airfares and purchasing well in advance of your travel dates. It is emphasized that travel to and from Phoenix is not included in tuition or course fees paid to the MTSU and the Dept. of Geosciences. The cost of travel from Phoenix to and from course sites by rental van is included in the course fees.

                                                                                                             
Field-Work

During this trip, students and faculty camp at campgrounds within or near the visited National Parks. Each student is responsible for bringing his/her own camping gear. The cost of camping is included in the course fee. The course requires some strenuous hiking at moderately high altitudes and over steep terrain. All students should be in good physical condition, and must provide documentation of health insurance prior to departure. Students with chronic back, joint, or cardiovascular ailments should not register for this course.

Food                

In order to simplify and expedite meals, all food will be purchased and prepared as 'group meals'. Breakfast is eaten at the campsite each morning prior to departure for the field. Each student packs his/her own lunch to eat 'on the trail'. Group dinners are prepared at the campsite each evening. The cost of meals is included in the course fee.

Weather

May is a season of transition in the Southwest. Temperatures can range from below freezing to 'summer-like', in part depending upon the altitude at which the students are camping and studying. Snow, sleet, rain and heat are all possible during the trip. Students should bring footwear and clothing for a range of weather conditions.

Approximate Cost

Approximate tuition and fees for this course will be announced in late Fall Semester, 2007 or early Spring Semester, 2008. For additional information, please contact Dr. Warner Cribb (cribb@mtsu.edu, 898-2379).