Short Courses
The University of Michigan - Dearborn, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (UM-Dearborn-CASL) welcomes applications for Short Courses in Field Geology.
Students from United States or overseas-based parties, registered student or professional, including applicants from China University of Geosciences (CUG, Wuhan), Wuhan University of Technology (WUT, Wuhan), and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST, Wuhan) are encouraged to apply. There are two annually-run courses to choose from, each of which forms part of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Geology BSc undergraduate program and the MSc in Environmental Science Program.
Geology of the National Parks Summer Course (GEOL 478/578)
Overview of UM-Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn was founded in 1959, and offers a high quality education with rich opportunities for independent and collaborative research, integrated learning and civic engagement. The University has four colleges: College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL), College of Business (COB), College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) and College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS). The Department of Natural Sciences is one of the Departments in CASL and consists of four disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Environmental Science and Physics.
The Department of Natural Sciences offers Bachelor’s degrees in ten undergraduate majors: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences/Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies and physics as well as a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. The environmental science concentration provides undergraduate students with a strong background in areas of science related to environmental concerns and with an opportunity to study environmental problems from a scientific point of view that integrates biology, chemistry, earth science and physics. This concentration leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters and prepares students for careers in waste management, environmental consultation, teaching, environmental health and resource management.
Our master’s in Environmental Science (MSES) program has been successful for 12 years and continues to thrive on its model of integrating biology, chemistry and geology. Graduates are in demand and sought by environmental consulting firms, regulatory agencies, industry and academia. Increasingly, students enrolling in the MSES program are seeking skills to advance their knowledge and chances of employment.
Information about the Course: GEOL 478/578
Instructor and Contact Information:
Dr. Kent Murray, email: [email protected]
GEOL 478/578 is a one to two week field course (depending on its annual destination) designed for upper division and graduate level geology students. The goal of the course is to visit a different U.S. national park each summer, providing students an opportunity to explore and understand the regional geology of the country as well as the geologic setting of a specific national park.
Over the past few years GEOL 478/578 has visited the Appalachian Mountains and the Triassic rift valley of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the National Lakeshore parks of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Badlands National Park of South Dakota, Devils Tower in Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park and the Teton mountains in Wyoming.
GEOL 118 Physical Geology (4 Credit hours)
An introduction to the study of geologic processes at work in the earth's interior and on its surface. Rocks and minerals, the origin and evolution of the continents, and the gradual and catastrophic processes that shape surface and bedrock features. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
GEOL 218 Historical Geology (4 Credit hours)
A generalized study of the history of the earth, with emphasis on the fossil record of life development, the stratigraphic sequence of deposits and paleogeography. Laboratory work will include the study of geologic and topographic maps and fossils of prominent invertebrate phyla.
Please consult with your academic advisor to determine the course(s) that are equivalent to GEOL 118 and 218 offered in your home University.
Course Schedule
GEOL 478/578 is generally offered during the first part of the UM-Dearborn summer II term (July), typically after the 4th of July holiday.
GEOL 478/578 is a three credit-hour course. Course grade will be A-E. Grades are based on class participation (the course is sometimes physically demanding), maintaining a field notebook and the preparation and presentation of a research paper on some aspect of the geology that we will visit during the trip. The paper should be approximately 15 pages in length, typed, double spaced with a 12-point font. Oral presentations will be in the field during the trip and should be on the order of 15-20 minutes. Undergraduates will work in groups of two or three to complete the paper and present their results. Graduate students will research, write and present the paper by themselves.
A student who wishes to transfer this course credits to satisfy his/her degree requirements at his/her home university must obtain an approval from the academic unit (Department/College) of his/her home university prior to registering for the course.
Undergraduate students will register for GEOL 478 and graduate students will register for GEOL 578.
Please see the Office of International Affairs (OIA) website for registration and application information or contact Professor Kent Murray.
The following materials are required for international non-degree guest student admission. All application materials should be mailed to Ms. Emily Wang, the Office of International Affairs, The University of Michigan-Dearborn, 780 Town Center Drive, Suite 108, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA.
Please contact Ms. Emily Wang ([email protected]) or the Office for International Affairs for assistance.
(1) A copy of the photo page of your valid passport
(2) An official transcript from the current institution with English translation
(3) One English Proficiency Proof (TOEFL Score: minimum 80 on Internet Based or IELTS Score of 6.5).
(4) Completed Admission Form for Non-degree International Guest Student
(5) Affidavit of Financial Resources for Issuance of I-20 or DS-2019
(6) An original bank certification (in English) for self- support or from his/her financial supporter.
Please note: Item (5) and (6) is required only after the admission application has been approved and a letter of admission letter is issued. However, we strongly encourage you to include this document in your original application package in order to accelerate the entire application process.
International Travel and Stay in Dearborn
The Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) should be selected as your final destination when making your travel reservation. The lodging in Dearborn and transportation from the airport to Dearborn can be arranged through the Office of International Affairs.
If you would like to open a bank account in the US, please contact the University of Michigan Credit Union, Ph. 1-800-968-8628. The bank account can be used for money transfer from China to the US.
Field Course Travel
The field course travel will be by University van. We will stay in inexpensive hotels (3-4 to a room), e.g. Best Western, Super 8. These hotels generally provide breakfast. We will stop each day for a brief lunch and then have dinner together in the evening. Students are responsible for sharing gas, splitting the cost of their hotel room and all meals. Typical costs on past trips have averaged $75 per day. Thus for a 10-day trip out west, student costs (not including course registration) will be about $750.
Students who have a valid Chinese passport will need a J-1 visa to enter the U.S. in order to take this summer course. The following two documents along with your valid passport are required for US visa application: Letter of Admission and DS-2019 Form. These two documents will be sent to you after your admission application has been approved by the University and you have been accepted as a guest student. As soon as you receive the Letter of Admission and DS-2019 Form, please pay the SEVIS fee and contact the US Embassy or Consulate in China to schedule an interview for your visa application.
Each UM-Dearborn student is required to have a medical insurance coverage during the time he/she enrolls in this class. The insurance must be purchased through the Office of International Affairs upon his/her arrival to the campus. Each student from China will need to take a screen test for TB (Tuberculosis). The test must be done within 30 days after entering the US. The test can be arranged through the Office of International Affairs.
Please contact Ms. Suzette Crandell [email protected] for assistance.
The costs listed below are estimated based on the data collected in the past or current rate and subject to change. The costs do not include international travel and meals prior/post – field trip.
- Tuition and Fees: please check the tuition website for an update on the cost of tuition
- Lodging in Dearborn: $120 for 2 days ($60/day)
- Field Trip: $750 for ten days (approximate)
- Insurance: $120/month
*The tuition and fees are calculated based on the Educational Collaborative Agreement signed by China University of Geosciences and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The tuition and fees will be varied for the students from other universities. Please contact the instructor for additional information.