GOALS AND CHALLENGES OF ESTABLISHING A SUCCESSFUL GEOSCIENCE CURRICULUM IN A BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

How does a “solo geologist” design and implement a geoscience curriculum within an established Biology department that simultaneously: 1) satisfies college or university needs for broad-appeal introductory science courses, 2) provides intermediate or advanced level courses for biology and environmental studies/science majors, 3) introduces potential research students to topics and skills needed to participate meaningfully in a faculty research program, and 4) builds toward the potential establishment of a separate geology department? We present our current strategies and welcome your ideas.