The department of geology is committed to preparing all Beloit students to be responsible citizens of planet Earth. Our program promotes an understanding of the way earth systems operate and how they have evolved and how humans interact with the environment. This understanding is accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates knowledge across the sciences and through the development of strong skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.

In addition, we strive to prepare students to be competent professionals in geology, capable of pursuing graduate studies and/or careers in the earth sciences and related disciplines. Graduates will be able to recognize and engage a variety of scientific problems. Their solutions to those problems will be informed by a social conscience sensitive to both the possibilities and limitations of the finite resources of the planet.

THE MAJORS

Beloit's geology curriculum has a rich history, stressing first-hand learning through laboratory and field experiences. A recent published study revealed that Beloit College ranked tenth in the nation as a source of Ph.D.s in the earth sciences among private undergraduate institutions.

The Geology department offers two majors: geology and environmental geology. The geology major is for students who want to go on to specialize in the scientific and practical applications of geology; the environmental geology major addresses the needs of students who are more interested in the fields of conservation policy, natural-resource development, environmental law, regional and urban planning, and government. The environmental geology major replaces some of the depth in geology with biology courses related to ecological systems and course work in political science and economics.

The geology majors at Beloit include a firm foundation derived from courses in the other scientific disciplines. Careful advising provides a progression of courses in the first two years; options increase as primary skills are acquired, permitting greater depth and probing of the subject matter in upper-level courses. Rivers, streams, quarries, and the nearby Kettle Moraine area allow for practical applications of techniques and ideas discussed in class. Weekend and longer field trips expand coverage to central Wisconsin, northern Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Following the spring term, extended field trips expose our students to all sections of the country, including the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Smoky Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, Ozarks, Colorado Plateau, Basin and Range, and the Sierra Nevada. We have also led field excursions to places such as New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and to the Swiss and Italian Alps.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

CAREERS

Our students are strongly encouraged to and supported when they present their research results at professional meetings. Examples of recent projects include a paleoecologic study of Pliocene sediments bearing human fossils at the Laetoli Archaeological Site, Tanzania; stratigraphic interpretation of bog cores collected in the Kettle Moraine area, Wisconsin; a canoe?based investigation of the complex structural geology of the Quetico wilderness, Ontario, Canada; and volcanic hazards associated with eruptions of Volcán Arenal, Costa Rica.

Student research is enriched by Beloit's membership in two consortia dedicated to the development of research skills in undergraduates: the Pew Midstates Science and Mathematics Consortium, and the Keck Geology Consortium.

An undergraduate thesis is built into our program to ensure that every graduating senior has professional experience in applying geology to the solution of some problem. To further increase the perspective of career opportunities, leaders in the field are brought to campus.

Regardless of career choice, the department of geology is committed to preparing students to be responsible citizens of planet Earth.