A Field-Based Introductory Physical and Historical Geology Course Taught in the Rocky Mountains

Abstract

Declining enrollments in traditional geology field camps present the opportunity to simultaneously teach a field-based introductory physical and historical geology course for undergraduates abng with the normal field course. Sufficient time exists within the normal six-week field-camp framework to provide as many, if not more, lecture and laboratory contact hours as in a two-semester classroom sequence. The integration of physical and historical geology and their presentation in a field setting make it possible to teach all of the material normally covered in these courses within the nontraditbnal framework of the regional geology and geologic history of the field-camp area. For many field camps an additional faculty member and teaching assistant dedicated solely to this course will be necessary. Only minimal additional expenditures for materials and supplies are needed beyond those normally incurred for the advanced field-camp. The benefits of such a field-based introductory program include the opportuni...