Wyoming

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Students earn two geology semester credits exploring outdoor Wyoming

By Mike Johnston
Staff Writer

Students desiring a new and interesting way to earn credits toward their degree took the chance to do so during the Brandon Nichols on Little Teton summer as Billy Morris, associate professor of geology, took 14 students on a geological journey into Wyoming as an alternative to a traditional two-semester science sequence.

This year's trip occurred during June and lasted two weeks. Prior to heading west, Morris met with the group and presented specific key points about the trip as well as an introduction to the science of geology.

The itinerary for the trip included five days in Casper, Wyo., a brief stay in Cody, Wyo., and visit to Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Teton National Park.

Students studied basic mineralogy, volcanism, geothermics and Billy Morris glaciers while digging up fossils, hiking and observing geology at its source.

Students participating in this year's trip were Amy Brooks, Anna Wade, Brandon Nichols, Courtney Ollis, Dennis Cash, Elizabeth Walker, Julie Armstrong, Patrick Hilburn, Rebecca Brown, Samantha Pierce, Kim Cornett and Stephen Lee.

"I really had a lot of fun," said Pierce. "I really recommend this course to anyone who is interested. I would do it again if given the chance."

Morris said that Georgia Highlands College is not the only institution in the area that uses fieldwork as credit for degree requirements. Shorter College and the State University of West Georgia both have similar programs, but theirs are directed towards science majors in their third and fourth years of education.

Because of the popularity of this trip and the limited number of slots, students who are interested are encouraged to inquire and register early.

Morris will have information about the next year's trip at his website, http://gaia.floyd. edu/wy2003, in the coming months.

Exercise prior to the trip is highly recommended by Morris. Many of the locations on the trip are at an elevation of 5,000 feet, or greater, above sea level.
Group hiking Girls on water