The Department of Geology and Geophysics is committed to providing its students with high-impact learning opportunities.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
CAPSTONE
All students in geology and geophysics participate in a capstone project, which requires students to think independently, frame and analyze real-world issues, and apply their academic knowledge and skills.
SPONSORED RESEARCH
Our department offers opportunities for undergraduate students to be involved in sponsored research experiences supported by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Energy and industry partners.
STUDY ABROAD
Study abroad encompasses a variety of international experiences — academic study, research, internships, volunteer opportunities and service learning programs. The Department of Geology and Geophysics has study abroad programs developed specifically for students in the department that build on academic coursework.
Additionally, Education Abroad at Texas A&M University can assist students with finding an international program that fits with your personal interests and goals.
FIELD-BASED EXPERIENCES
Courses in geology and geophysics will occasionally have field-based experiences associated with the course. These can range from a local day trip to a three-week field camp experience in the western United States. Previous field-based experiences include:
- GEOL 152 History of the Earth: A day trip to Bastrop, Texas, to look at Eocene sedimentary rock exposures with more than 50 undergraduates.
- GEOL 250 Field Methods: A 10-day trip to New Mexico and West Texas.
- GEOL 306 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy: Two one-day field trips to Hearne and Canyon Lake Gorge, Texas, to look at sedimentary (siliclastic and carbonate) rock exposures with more than 50 undergraduates.
- GEOL 350 Summer Field Geology: A three- to four-week field camp experience in the western United States.
- GEOP 628 Basin Architecture: A field trip to the Paradox Basin with 10 graduate students.
HIGH-IMPACT INITIATIVES
The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers additional high-impact experiences throughout the year, including:
- Poster sessions
- Texas A&M Honors Program
- Service-learning courses
- Internships
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists Imperial Barrel Award Competition