Research is a fundamental part of the Albion geology learning experience. Students have a variety of opportunities both in and out of the classroom to conduct independent research. The student research experience typically includes several steps: writing a short proposal, conducting field work and sampling, completing laboratory analyses, writing up methods and results, and giving an oral presentation.
Independent and Collaborative Research: Upper-level geology students are encouraged to complete independent research projects in collaboration with faculty members, either as semester-long directed studies or as summer projects. Students have the option of writing senior theses, which are great springboards for graduate school and careers as professional geologists.
Research as part of classes: All students enrolled in our Introductory Geology course complete small-scale group research projects and many advanced geology classes provide field and/or lab research opportunities as part of the lab experience.