Geology
Explore our planet, build a better future.
Geologists are Storytellers and Problem-solvers
Earth Science in the Laboratory
From geochemical laboratories to computational modelling, Oberlin’s geology students work with faculty in the lab to better understand our planet.
Earth Science in Nature
Student research also takes place at numerous field sites as part of faculty research projects and the Keck Geology Consortium.
Featured Courses
Earth’s Environments
A survey of Earth’s internal and external features, emphasizing the unifying theory of plate tectonics as well as the study of geologic hazards and Earth resources. Labs and field trips explore Earth materials, local field sites, landforms, and interactions between humans and Earth’s surface. The course is intended for both non-majors and prospective geology majors. All students must enroll in the lecture section plus one lab section in the same semester.
- Taught by
- Rachel Eveleth, Amanda Schmidt
The Anthropocene: Human Actions, Global Consequences
Have human activities changed our planet enough that we now live in a new geologic Epoch: the Anthropocene? In this seminar, we will place our impact on the planet in the context of its history through readings and discussion on topics including: deep geologic time, geochemical signals of natural and human activity, the nature of scientific thinking and discourse, and our place in our planet’s history.
- Taught by
- F. Zeb Page
Applied GIS
Geographic information systems (GIS) are used widely in the sciences and other disciplines to examine data that have spatial distribution. This course will introduce students to the methods for collecting spatial data and analyzing those data using GIS to solve geologic problems and communicate their results effectively, mainly through hands-on use of the industry standard ArcGIS software.
- Taught by
- Clara Margaret Flood ’18
Great Lakes Limnology
How has the regional geologic history shaped the biogeochemistry of the Great Lakes? In what ways are humans influencing, and influenced by, the Great Lakes? This class uses primary literature to investigate these questions, covering the local historical and contemporary geology, physical water column dynamics, air-water fluxes, eutrophication, public health concerns, climate change and more.
- Taught by
- Rachel Eveleth
Student Profiles
Nexial Prize Recipient
Monica Dix ’20, a geology and politics double major, was awarded the 2020 Nexial Prize. Dix’s passion for both earth science and policy sparked her interest in the prize, which emphasizes the value of a broad-based liberal arts education.
Educating in Death Valley
Marcus Hill ’19 was a geology major and promoted the major as a geology student representative. After graduation, he worked alongside seasoned park rangers helping to run education programs for elementary school students.
Fulbright to Germany
Geology and history double-major Elena Robakiewicz ’16 was awarded a Fulbright grant for research in Germany. Robakiewicz will conduct her research in Tübingen, where she will work with professors who study paleolake (or ancient lake) data in order to better understand early human migration patterns.
What does Geology at Oberlin look like?
Mineralogy (GEOL 201) students enjoy a sunset in the Adirondacks after a long day in the field.
Oberlin students visit Siccar Point, Scotland, one of the most famous sites in the history of geology as part of the Danenberg Oberlin in London Program.
Nicollette Mitchell ’13, Kopo Oromeng ’17, Marcus Hill ’19 and Shannon Banks ’19 earned top prizes for their research presentations at the National Association of Black Geoscientists annual conference.
Emily Bermudez ’21 and Zoe Hecht ’21 start a geochemical analysis in the gamma-counter.
Justin Bank ’21 demonstrates ultra-violet fluorescent minerals as part of a Lab Crawl visit.
Renée Milligan ’22 shows off tiny marine fossils as part of Lab Crawl.
