Mineralogy at the Mad River with Norwich Students

Geology

Our strong emphasis on field studies, outdoor experience, and hands-on problem solving gives graduates solid field and laboratory skills that they use to solve Earth-related problems in industry, graduate school, government, and the military.

About the Program

Geology/Earth Science is the investigation of modern and ancient Earth’s physical and chemical processes and their submicroscopic- to planetary-scale products and events. Earth scientists study the planet’s mountain ranges, continents, oceans, and landforms, and it’s internal structure and motion. We address such basic societal needs as the exploration and management of water and mineral resources, sustainable development of energy, and natural hazard prediction.

Students are involved in a small and vibrant learning community with professors that are both respected teachers and active researchers in New England, arctic Canada, Europe, the South Pacific, and the southwestern U.S. All students have the opportunity to travel to the desert southwest and across the northeast on program-sponsored trips. Each student conducts original research in collaboration with a faculty member, starting the student on the path to scientific investigation in the professional world. The job market in Earth Science is strong and the opportunity for travel, exploration, and adventure is high.

Goals, Outcomes & Details

To view additional program details for programs such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the geology course offerings and a curriculum map, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using these links.

Minor Major

The Earth Science program is equipped a with full sample prep lab featuring diamond saws, grinders, pulverizers, separators, and other gear. As well as an X-ray diffraction laboratory, a scanning electron microscope with electron dispersive and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy capabilities, and a range of geophysical exploration equipment. This includes a gravity meter, seismograph, magnetometer, electromagnetometer, and ground penetrating radar.

Following fusion and dissolution, chemical analysis of rock, mineral, and soil samples is carried out in our ICAP spectrometer lab, which also provides an analytical capability for studies of ground and surface water. Equipment for the collection and analysis of sediment and soil is housed in the program with further analytical capabilities housed in associated programs on campus.

Our Faculty