Are you interested in the environmental and geological sciences? Do you love a challenge?
If so, join us for GEOL 105 Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon, our 2027 environmental geology field course and motorized raft trip!
This course is open only to incoming first-year students, regardless of your intended major. In this experience, you'll raft 89 miles, camp four nights and hike nine miles. You'll also:
July 18-Aug. 3, 2027
Through the generous support of Augustana geology alumni, the trip cost to you is now only $3,500, which includes a 4-credit field course, transportation, raft trip, food and lodging and all field equipment.
There’s still room, but spots fill up quickly (a $500 deposit is required unless receiving the scholarship). The program is limited to incoming first-year Augustana students who have made a deposit for enrollment at Augustana College and are ready for a challenge!
Application deadline: May 1, 2027
→ The Geology Field Scholarship is available for incoming first-year students. Applicants for this award should be Pell-eligible students with a strong interest in the natural sciences and the environment who are admitted to Augustana College to begin their first year in the fall of 2027.
(If you cannot join this first-year summer field course, but love to study Earth and be outside, please talk to the faculty about geology courses - consider enrolling in GEOL-101 Physical and Environmental Geology (4 credits) on campus during fall or spring semester.)
Contact one of the co-directors:
Dr. Jenny Arkle
Assistant Professor of Geology, Geography, & Environmental Studies
JennyArkle@augustana.edu
309-794-7844
Course(s) and details
All students will enroll in GEOL-105 Physical & Environmental Geology Summer Field Course for Incoming First-Year Students for 4 credits during the Summer term. GEOL105 carries a Natural Science (PN) Learning Perspective course suffix, and partially fulfills the general education graduation requirements. There are no course prerequisites, however participants must be willing and able to hike (9 miles, ~5-6 hrs.) out of the Grand Canyon (prepare ahead of time!) and ride on motorized raft and camp.
Class and travel dates
During the academic year, 14 Augustana students led by geology professor Dr. Jeffrey Strasser will help create a map of a landscape no one can see. Through a collaboration with the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), students are conducting professional research as they use seismometers, collect and interpret field data, and help map the buried Princeton Bedrock Valley.
Augustana College's John Deere Planetarium and Fryxell Geology Museum will be open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-8:30 p.m., for the annual fall open house. The planetarium indoor and outdoor programs will be led by Dr. Lee Carkner. Admission is free and open to the public.
For Tara Armas ’27 and Emma Biskie ’27, studying physics at Augustana College has meant much more than mastering equations and theories. It has led to research opportunities in places far and near, connections with scientists and, along the way, a close friendship. Plus — a prestigious $5,000 scholarship!
