Field Geology in Michigan

GES 295 MICHIGAN FIELD GEOLOGY

WHAT IS IT?  This is an introductory geology course taught outdoors in the field.  It is based on the idea that the best introduction to geological materials and processes is to observe them directly in their “natural setting”.  One of the best places to do this is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the course is built around a ten day field trip to the UP. 

WHO IS IT FOR?  This course is designed for students who are either fulfilling their laboratory natural science laboratory requirement or are considering a geology major.  Thus it counts as Natural Science I General Education credits and as the first course in a geology major.

WHEN IS IT?  Students who enroll in this course will be able to move in to their dormitory rooms on Hope College’s campus in the early afternoon, Tuesday, August 14, 2012.  In the late afternoon we will begin our drive to the Upper Peninsula, stopping to camp along the way.  We will return to Campus on the evening of Thursday, August 23, 2012 in time for first-year orientation. The class will meet once a week during the first half of the semester after which the course will be finished.

WHERE WILL WE STAY?  We will be camping and will spend some nights in primitive camping.  However, most evening we will be camping in campgrounds with full facilities including showers. There will be an extra $325 course fee to cover travel, lodging, and food. Pictures of previous geology field trips are available here.

WHO IS THE PROFESSOR?  Ed Hansen is a Professor of Geology at Hope College where he has been teaching for over twenty-five years.  His research has focused on ancient mountain belts in Southern India, Sweden, and coastal California as well as coastal sand dunes along Lake Michigan.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?  Send an email to Hansen@hope.edu.