The latter half of the term focuses on process-based geology including sedimentation, glaciers, wind erosion, fluvial landscapes, and natural geologic disasters. If time permits, there will be at least one required Saturday or Sunday field trip in addition to field work during the regular class meeting time. Open to juniors and seniors. This course introduces students to the natural history of Earth through the study of historical geology and evolutionary biology. We begin with an introduction to the field of natural history and discussion of the origin of the Earth and its life, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and evolution theory.
Students have opportunities to research topics of personal interest throughout the course.
ENV 313 Reading and Writing about Nature Half credit. Northfield campus only. Open to all students. This course does not award laboratory science credit. This is an intensive writing course.