GEOLOGY is the study of the earth, its history and its processes. The discipline of geology addresses the materials which comprise the earth and the processes of earth formation and deformation. Subdisciplines include, but are not limited to: the study of life and evolution; the study of minerals and rocks; processes of tectonic deformation of rocks; and processes of landscape evolution.

GEOLOGISTS are responsible for finding economic natural resources, such as minerals, oil, gas, coal, and water, upon which our industrial society depends. Geologists are also responsible for determining how to safely dispose of waste and how to remediate areas contaminated with toxic substances. Thus, geologists are unique in that they occupy both ends of a spectrum within society. Geologists also study the earth's history, including the the evolution of life forms, and Geologists apply such knowledge to interpret other planets, such as Mars in the recent Pathfinder mission.

GEOLOGY MAJORS at Augustana study the fundamentals of the science, including mineralogy; igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary petrology; vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology; structural geology; hydrogeology; environmental geology; stratigraphy; geomorphology; and plate tectonics. Geology is an interdisciplinary science, requiring knowledge of fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. The Geology Department emphasizes field experiences, offering numerous local and distant fieldtrips every year and providing opportunities for student research during the summer and the school year. Geology majors are well-prepared for graduate school in earth and environmental sciences or law, and many majors pursue careers in earth sciences, education, and business. Many geology majors also choose to minor in Environmental Studies at Augustana.

GEOLOGY AT AUGUSTANA has its roots in the late 19th Century, when the famous J.A. Udden taught geology courses. The Geology Department was founded in 1929 by F.M. Fryxell during the furor over the Scopes trial on teaching evolution. Many of the traditions and philosophies of the department have their origins with these two men. The department embraces the liberal arts ideal, requiring a broad range of courses for the major while encouraging fieldtrips and student research. All faculty are engaged in active research, from rock melting and volcano experiments to fieldwork in Antarctica and Alaska, and students often assist in this research, pursuing their own directed research projects.  Housed in the newly renovated Swenson Hall of Geosciences, the Department of Geology has excellent facilities and resources, including the Fryxell Geology Museum.

For more information write, email, or phone:

Department of Geology
Augustana College
639 38th St.
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 794-7318
Fax (309) 794-7564

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