Geology Department Overview

Welcome to the Geology Department at McLennan College!

Geoscience is the study of the Earth's landforms, volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, river systems, glacial environments, deserts, sea level changes, oil and gas, groundwater, mass wasting events, mountain building episodes, plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, fossils, and so much more.  Each geoscience course focuses on specific student learning objectives noted below.  For more information, contact Dr. Elaine Fagner at efagner@mclennan.edu or 254.299.8442.

Zion National Park, Utah (Photo Credit: Elaine Fagner)

There are three primary geology courses offered at McLennan College.  

Earth Science (GEOL 1401) is a non-majors course that explores oceanography, astronomy, meteorology, sustainability, climate change, and geology (online course).  

Physical Geology (GEOL 1403) includes information on volcanoes, geysers, earthquakes, tsunamis, canyon formation, mountain building, structural faults and folds, glaciers, and other aspects of how the Earth was made (online, blended, and face-to-face classes). 

Historical Geology (GEOL 1404)  explains when life forms and geologic features were created over the Earth's history (online class).  Students are required to have completed GEOL 1403 as a prerequisite for this course.

 

Pemaquid Point, Maine   Our departmental goals include:  

  • Helping students interpret Earth's landforms and correlate how natural resources formed throughout geologic history;
  • Assisting students in learning how geologic resources are utilized by humans and the value these resources provide to humans;
  • Promoting awareness of and active participation in learning, volunteering and completing undergraduate research in programs designed to study and conserve our geologic resources; and
  • Exposing students to the development of life forms on Earth throughout geologic history as documented in the rock record.