Michigan Field Geology

Michigan Field Geology (Loading...) is an introductory geology course where the first 10 days are taught outdoors on a field trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The best introduction to geological materials and processes is to observe them directly in their “natural setting,” and one of the best places to do this is the UP.

This course is designed for students who are fulfilling the natural science laboratory requirement or are considering a geology major. It counts as Natural Science I General Education credit and as the first course in a geology major. It is also the focus of the Day1 Michigan Rocks! learning community. Note that to do well in this course you have to be up for tent camping and learning outdoors, even if cold or wet.

Benefits for First-Year Students

For incoming students, this course will help you meet new people as well as get a jump start on the school year. This class also works well with any busy schedule, as the course finishes by meeting once a week during the first half of the semester. So, if you like to be outdoors, see learning as an adventure, want to learn hands-on and are eager to meet new people, GES 125/Day 1 Michigan Rocks is perfect for you!

Dates

August 11–21, 2025

If you enroll in this course, you will be able to move into your dormitory rooms on Hope’s campus before 5 p.m. on Monday afternoon, August 11, 2025. We will return to campus on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in time for first-year orientation in the evening. The class will meet once a week during the first half of the semester, concluding at midterm.

Lodging

We will be camping and will spend some nights in primitive camping. However, most evenings we will be camping in campgrounds with full facilities including showers.

INSTRUCTOR

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Dr. Brian Bodenbender Geological and Environmental Science DepartmentProfessor of Geology & Environmental Science
Work616.395.7541
bodenbender@hope.edu
A. Paul Schaap Science Center Room 2047 35 East 12th Street Holland, MI 49423