Summer Field Course in Wyoming

Eight Credit hours for Geology 1121k (Physical Geology) and Geology1122k (Historical Geology) can be earned during an intensive course in Wyoming during the Summer session. These courses offer some of the most spectacular geology and scenery in the world in a hands-on study environment.

The Plan

We'll fly into in Denver and drive directly to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the nearby Dinosaur Trail in the famous Morrison Formation. Next, we'll head north to Casper, WY. Built on the banks of the Platte River, Casper has a rich history of boarding long-haul travelers and will be home for a few days. Topics of study while here will include rock and mineral identification, stratigraphy, paleontology, structure, topographic and geologic mapping.

A day's drive will take us northwest through the Wind River Canyon and Thermopolis to Cody, home of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and its' five world-class museums. One night in Cody and we'll drive into Yellowstone via the east entrance, the most spectacular way to arrive by auto. We'll stay in cabins in Canyon Village, within walking distance of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Several days in the park will allow us to study hydrothermal activity, volcanism, ecology, and environmental policy.

Next stop is Colter Bay Village, on the shore of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton NP. Seismology, glacial activity, mass wasting, stream processes, hiking and gawking will be the focus of our study while in the Tetons. We'll have a chance for some free time before turning back east for a two day drive to Denver. A stop in Kemmerer, WY will allow us to collect 45 million year old fish fossils. A discussion of tectonics and it's effects on the country we drive through will lead to the synthesis of final paper discussion topics.

A detailed itinerary with specific activities, locations, lodging info, and contact information will be given to you prior to departure.

The Dates for 2010

Travel dates are Monday June 21 early morning - Sunday July 4 late evening. We will meet on the Main Campus in the Geology Lab (W-325) on June 7-10 and 14-17 for orientation, lab work, and testing. These meetings are mandatory, and you will earn course grades during this time. All other work submitted for a grade in the courses will be turned in by July 14, 2010.

The Price

Cost for the trip is $1500.
This does not include tuition and fees normally associated with coursework at the College. It does not include spending money, food, souvenirs, and other incidental expenses. You should plan on spending at least $2000 for the trip and associated costs (again, not including tuition). If you are selected to participate in the course, a $300 deposit will be due immediately to hold your seat, with the balance ($1200) due in two installments; $600 on February 1, $600 on April 1. For a description of what the $1500 fee covers, link to the Fee/Payment Page.

How do I get a seat?

If you would like to participate in the course, you will need to download, complete, and return this application. Space in this course is limited, and a waitlist will be generated.

You may also contact Billy Morris, Assoc. Prof. of Geology at: bmorris@highlands.edu,
W-325 Main Campus, 706-368-7528

Packing List

Pictures from 2006