May 31, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. -Two Western Kentucky University geology faculty members and four undergraduate geology majors are participating in a geology field course this summer, along with students from Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Andrew Wulff and Dr. Fred Siewers of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology and students Ben Campbell, Mindy Coleman, Daniel Hawkins and Samantha Kramer are studying the geology of South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming for six weeks from May 13 through June 23.
The course, which is a capstone for all geology majors at WKU, emphasizes field mapping techniques to develop geologic maps, construct geologic cross sections and address some of the practical applications of these maps. Students also compose detailed rock descriptions, measure and construct stratigraphic sections, and write reports and abstracts of their work.
Projects include mapping exercises in the Bighorn Mountains, Badlands, Black Hills, Whitewood Peak and Absaroka volcanics, and immerse students in a wide range of geologic structures, depositional environments and rock types. Additional trips to Yellowstone Park, Devils Tower, various mining operations and other areas of geologic interest are led by national experts and extend the geological experiences and build context for the projects.
WKU has sent 14 geology students to various field-based geology experiences over the past five years. “The affiliation of WKU with these other universities is important in demonstrating the strength of our geology program, and has opened doors for graduate opportunities and professional collaborations,” Dr. Wulff said.
“Participation in field-based learning experiences represents is an essential part of the educational experience for students pursuing degrees in geology at WKU,” said Dr. Stuart Foster, acting head for the Department of Geography and Geology. “Faculty in our geology program continue to demonstrate the commitment to student engagement that has contributed to the program’s outstanding record of placing graduates in professional positions and graduate schools.”
More information about the field course may be found at: http://www.geo.ilstu.edu/fieldcamp.
More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu
For information, contact Andrew Wulff at (270) 745-5976.
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