The geology department has replaced traditional lectures with project-oriented lectures/labs so that students learn geology in authentic problem-oriented settings. All classes include a field component—the local region is rich in geologic diversity, and faculty have taken students on trips to Wyoming, the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, the Galapagos, Iceland and Montserrat. The program leads to an independent senior-research experience for which majors develop, write and present results of the project, frequently at professional geology meetings.
The geology major at Dickinson is a
journey developing independent thought, problem solving, critical
thinking, field, and research skills. This journey produces an earth
scientist well prepared for graduate school or a career in industry.
The geology curriculum emphasizes the traditional geology
subdisciplines in an exciting research- and project-based learning
environment. The geology faculty's teaching approach stresses
self-discovery of geologic principles and processes rather than the
mere memorization of "facts" solely through texts or lab manuals.
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