Department of Geosciences

In Geoscience, we study the dynamic processes that have affected the history and development of the earth and continue to influence environments on its surface.  Geoscience crosses traditional discipline boundaries, incorporating concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in the study of specific areas such as earth structure, history of life, plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, ground water resources, climate, and energy resources.  The Geoscience curriculum is designed to give the student a solid scientific understanding of our environment using the latest tools and applications in preparation for careers in geology and geotechnical consulting, resource exploration and extraction, environmental issues involving water resources, geologic hazards, research, and government regulatory agencies.

Our degree program offers students the flexibility to tailor their sequence of courses to their interests, whether they be in earth materials, large-scale crustal processes, or surficial processes relevant to environmental issues.  We offer a strong field and laboratory based sequence of courses.  We conduct field trips to explore, map, and measure geologic processes throughout Maine and New England.  Dedicated laboratories in Bailey Hall include the Petrology Microscope Lab, Sediment Analysis Lab, Rock Preparation Lab, and X-ray Diffraction Lab for mineral identification.  The latest digital mapping technologies are available with global positioning system (GPS) and total station surveying equipment that is used in conjunction with the Gorham Geographic Information System (GIS) computer lab in Bailey Hall.  The Gorham GIS Lab offers the latest software for modern spatial analysis and remote sensing of the earth’s surface.  Geoscience courses integrate our available equipment and technology resulting in a strong field-based, digitally-supported degree program.

We also stress and value undergraduate student research and independent study.  Faculty expertise offers student research opportunities in many areas including digital outcrop surface mapping, remote sensing using multiple data sources, groundwater resource mapping and modeling, and geoarcheology.  Student work is presented at a number of venues including the USM Thinking Matters conference, Geological Society of Maine meetings, and Geological Society of America meetings.

Graduates of our program find that they are well prepared to start careers in geologic and environmental work, science teaching or to continue on to graduate school for advanced degrees.  Our graduates work for a variety of local geologic consulting firms, Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection, and teach science in K-12 schools throughout the state.  Similar employment opportunities are available in other states across the country.

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This page was last modified on 
11/11/2008