By Paul Treske/reporter
Students pursuing studies in geology or wanting to experience wildlife and camping in the mountain states have an opportunity to take science and geology to another level.
This summer, students will get their chance during a summer geology field course offered by NE Campus. Participants will study the historical, physical and environmental geology of what is considered some of America’s most beautiful regions of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
Started 15 years ago by Dr. Clair Ossian, the field course is now taught by Hayden Chasteen, assistant professor of geology.
“ You can learn geology in the classroom, but this is one of the best ways to learn geology from my experience,” he said.
This year’s course covers the Colorado Plateau and the Southern Rocky Mountains. Students will travel to Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
According to Chasteen, the scenery will be a plus. Waking up early on a clear morning, students can start the day with a walk in the Rockies or a donkey ride down the Colorado River’s mile-deep cut edges of the Grand Canyon.
The course will cover all types of terrain from volcanic regions of northeastern New Mexico to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, the Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, several national parks and much more.
“ When you can touch the rocks, that’s when students connect,” Chasteen said.
Students will enroll in GEOL 2407, Geology of the Colorado Plateau and the Southern Rockies; GEOL 1305, Environmental Geology; and PHED 1106, Camping. The program offers a total of eight credit hours.
The class runs May 21-June 15, including five days of pre-trip seminar meetings followed by the 16-day camping trip.
The cost is $750 plus TCC tuition and fees. Students must pay 50 percent of the cost by the sign-up deadline of April 29.
The balance is due by May 4. The amount is non-refundable after April 29. Space is limited to 15 students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students enrolling in these courses should be able to complete the physical requirements of the classes.
Anyone with concerns about these requirements or wanting further information should contact Chasteen at 817-515-6694.
Brochures are available on most bulletin boards on NE Campus or from Chasteen.
