Department of Geology

Researchers and students in the Department of Geology use clues from Earth’s various materials to understand how our planet has evolved since it formed four-and-a-half billion years ago.  Geologists also explore how the Earth’s resources affect contemporary human life and society, particularly as natural resources become scarcer. Many of our graduates are working in organizations that deal directly with the environmental impact of human activities.

Hands-on, real-world experience is crucial to the effective study of geology (also known as “earth science”). Our geology students have the opportunity to take part in international fieldwork and regularly travel to sites like the Bayan Ulaan Mountains of Mongolia and Mount Stromboli in Italy.  Student research and course work in Geology also includes hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical instruments, such as scanning-electron-microscopes, the Raman spectrometer, Geographic Information Systems, cathodoluminescence and fluid inclusion microscopes, and more.