Mapping coral reefs to study and help a critical ecosystem
Community-based learning on a large scale: Augustana geology students travel with faculty to the Caribbean island of Bonaire to research environmental change in coral reefs.
Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon
Summer Field Course, July 20-Aug. 5, 2025
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 2025 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 five nights and hike nine miles. You'll also:
- Spend one week doing science on the Mississippi River and in Augustana's geology laboratories, and then one week rafting, hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon — all before the start of your academic year.
- Gain field experience as we study Earth systems.
- Earn four credits of a natural science lab course.
- Make friends with other incoming first-year students and have an amazing adventure.
Dates
July 20-Aug. 5, 2025
Cost
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.
How to apply
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, 2025
→ 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 2025.
(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.)
For more information
Contact one of the co-directors:
Dr. Jenny Arkle
Assistant Professor of Geology, Geography, & Environmental Studies
JennyArkle@augustana.edu
309-794-7844
Dr. Jeffrey Strasser
Professor of Geology, department chair
JeffreyStrasser@augustana.edu
309-794-7218
Itinerary
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
- July 20: First class meeting, Swenson Hall of Geosciences, Fryxell Geology Museum on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island, Illinois.
- July 20-28: Classroom work, labs and local field exercises.
- July 29-30: Flight to and overnight stay in Las Vegas, then drive to the Grand Canyon (Lees Ferry).
- July 31-Aug. 3: Rafting 89 miles through the Grand Canyon on motorized rafts, hiking out on the Bright Angel Trail.
- Aug. 4: Rest day.
- Aug. 5: Return flight to Moline.
