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Frequently
Asked Questions
(and Answers) about GEOL 375 and H375....
QUESTION: "Why
should I take the course?"
ANSWER:
Perhaps
the best reason for taking the course is that it provides a unique
opportunity to learn by directly observing in the field. Most students find
this type of experience to be a very effective and enjoyable way to learn and
an excellent alternative to a traditional lecture course. It's fun to
experience by being there the history, culture, and natural beauty of a
different country. Many students also enjoy being outdoors and the chance
to study marine environments such as beaches and reefs.
QUESTION: "Is the
course open to all majors?"
ANSWER: Yes, the
course is open to undergraduate students of all majors.
QUESTION: "Can I
take the course even if I have never taken a geology course before?"
ANSWER: Yes, it is
possible to take GEOL 375 or GEOL H375 even if you have never taken a
geology course before. Although GEOL 101 or the instructor's permission is
a prerequisite, most introductory science courses will satisfy the
prerequisite. Contact the instructor (jcastle@clemson.edu) for details.
QUESTION: "Which
course requirements does GEOL 375 fulfill for geology majors?"
ANSWER: GEOL 375
counts as the "Field Experience" required for B.S. Majors in the
Environmental Science concentration. It counts as a "Geology
Requirement" for B.S. Geology majors (including those in the
Hydrogeology concentration), and B.A. Geology majors.
QUESTION: "Can the course be taken for Honors credit?"
ANSWER: Yes. An Honors
section is offered. Register for GEOL H375.
QUESTION: "Does
GEOL 375 count as a General Education lab science course?"
ANSWER: GEOL 375 does
not count toward fulfilling the General Education lab science requirement.
GEOL 375 provides students with a unique opportunity to learn by direct
experience in the field. It is not a lab course. There are other courses,
such as GEOL 101/103 available for meeting the lab science requirement.
QUESTION:
"Is
the course open to students from other universities?"
ANSWER: Yes. The
university simplifies the application process for students wishing to take
courses at Clemson for transferring the credits to another college or
university. Call the Registrar's Office at 864-656-2171 for an application
form and complete information. Also, if you are from another college or
university, please inform the course instructor (jcastle@clemson.edu)
that you are interested in taking the course.
QUESTION: "Will there
be some lectures before we go so that we'll know what to expect and what
we'll be looking at?"
ANSWER: Yes, there
will be several lectures and coordination meetings before we go. This will
provide you with the background needed to understand the field observations
and give you a chance to get acquainted with the other students in the
course. Of course, there will also be explanations while we are in the
field.
QUESTION: "What is
the scheduled time for the lectures?"
ANSWER: A suitable
time to meet will be scheduled near the beginning of Spring semester.
Plan to meet about once per week until we leave for the Bahamas. We
will probably meet once or twice after our return.
QUESTION: "How will my grade for the course be
determined?"
ANSWER: It will be
determined by two quizzes, participation, and a brief report and exercises
while we are in the field. The first quiz will cover material from the
introductory lectures and will be given before we leave for the Bahamas.
The exercises will involve making observations while we in the field and
will usually be done by groups of two or three students working together.
The second quiz will be given shortly after our return from the
Bahamas. There will not be a final exam. You will be asked to
complete a course evaluation.
QUESTION:
"I've
never taken this type of course or been on a field trip like this before.
How do I know what to expect?"
ANSWER: Most students
find this type of learning experience to be special and memorable in a very
positive way. If you have never taken a field course like this before, you
may want to ask one of the students who took the course in a previous year.
Also, you may want to see some photographs (click here)
from our previous field trips to the bahamas.
QUESTION: "Where
will we stay in the Bahamas?"
ANSWER: We will stay
at Forfar Field Station
or nearby accommodations on Andros Island. Forfar
is operated by International
Field Studies, which is a non-profit, educational organization.
International Field Studies also provides van and boat transportation and
local guides on Andros Island.
QUESTION: "How much
does it cost?"
ANSWER:
There
is a field trip fee plus the regular Spring Semester tuition and fees. The
trip fee includes meals and lodging for 7 days and 7 nights on Andros
Island; round-trip transportation from Clemson to the Bahamas, including
the flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Andros Island and return; and local van
and boat transportation in the Bahamas. A reduced fee is available to
students who arrange their own transportation from Clemson to Ft.
Lauderdale and return.
QUESTION:
"When
and how do I pay the fees?"
ANSWER: A deposit of
$200 is due as soon as possible to hold a reservation at the field
station. The remaining balance is due by January 14, 2011.
These payments are to be made in 340 Brackett Hall, which is the campus
office for the Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth
Sciences. Checks must be made out to Clemson University.
QUESTION: "Is
financial aid available?"
ANSWER: Financial aid to help cover the course
fees applies as it does to other academic expenses at Clemson and may be
available depending on your individual situation. For additional
information, contact the Financial Aid Office, G01 Sikes Hall. Be
sure to remind them that Geology 375 falls under "regular financial
aid" and not "study abroad".
QUESTION: "How do I
register?"
ANSWER: The
registration procedure for GEOL 375 and GEOL H375 (Honors) is the same as
for other courses at Clemson.
QUESTION: "Is there a deadline for registering?"
ANSWER:
You should register for the course as soon as possible because enrollment
is limited. If you want to sign up for GEOL 375 or GEOL H375, but the
registration system indicates that the class is full, contact the
instructor (jcastle@clemson.edu)
to find out if any more spaces are available, or if there is a waiting
list.
QUESTION: "I would
like to take the course, but missed the deadline for paying the fee. What
can I do?"
ANSWER: Check with the instructor (jcastle@clemson.edu) to find out if
space is still available.
QUESTION: "If I
miss the course in 2011, when will it be taught again?"
ANSWER: The next time that we plan to teach the
course is Spring Semester, 2013.
If
you have any unanswered questions, please email Dr. Jim Castle at jcastle@clemson.edu or call 656-5015.
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