Welcome to the EPS freshmen seminar

This freshman seminar consists of a few introductory lectures and videos followed by a four-day field trip in which you will explore in person the influence of California geology in society, and meet and get to know fellow students with the same interests.

The theme of this course is the influence of geology in California society. As a freshman seminar, the class involves close personal interaction between students and senior faculty. For the interaction to work, it is essential that all enrolled students be prepared for the learning experience and to become engaged as active participants. Toward this end, the field trips are preceded by two or three one-hour lectures and two or three video presentations. Students are expected to attend one logistical meeting for the section of the field trip they are attending. Each student goes on only one field trip: Group 1 or 2. Each group will take one continuous four-day trip to visit geological and historical localities in various parts of California . Topics emphasized on the trips vary: societal impacts of dams, the Gold Rush, resource conservation, the geology of Yosemite as a national park, water resource issues, volcanic and seismic hazards, and glacial geology. Three nights will be spent camping out. Accordingly, each student will need to bring appropriate gear including a sleeping bag and a tent or make arrangements to share space in a tent. More details on equipment to bring and preparations to make will be supplied at the logistical meetings.  Enrollment is limited to ~65 freshman students with a wait-list of ~10. The class will be split into two field-trip groups of a size small enough to ensure an interactive seminar experience. This course is restricted to freshman only!

Course Requirements:

Enrollment and receipt of a passing grade in this course depends upon the following: Attendance at the lectures, video presentations, and field trip logistical meeting, a satisfactory 2 –page single-spaced term paper, active participation in discussions during the field trip, completion of assigned camp duties in cooking and cleanup, acceptable behavior, and no use of alcohol or drugs.

Required essay: The required length of the paper is 2 single-spaced word-processed pages. You should write a coherent summary of what you have learned from the lectures and field trip. The theme to address in your own words is the importance of geologic understanding to the resolution of conflicts in developing energy and mineral resources and preserving the environment. Give examples from the field trip to illustrate your points.  The essay should not  be simply a narrative of the field trip, but a thoughtful analysis of the the theme in which you demonstrate your own reactions and  insights.

Objectives:

Provide a small-class seminar format in a field trip mode to enhance exploratory learning

Provide opportunities for direct geologic and environmental observations to:

Stimulate a personal awareness of the interdependence of society and the natural environment.

Illustrate the role of society in the shaping the Earth's future.

Make apparent our reliance on natural resources such as minerals, energy, and water.

Stress the need for conservation.

Demonstrate the geologic connection between volcanoes, earthquakes. floods, drought, and fires.

Determine the various forces that influence the preservation and/or utilization of California's natural resources.

Here is what students say about the course: