Skip to content

Geology Department

Chair: Renee Faatz
Phone: (435) 283-7519
Email:  renee.faatz@snow.edu

Webpage: www.snow.edu/geology 

Geology is the study of the earth’s materials, its surface and internal processes, and its history.

Geology majors learn to identify and interpret minerals, rocks and fossils. They study the modern processes that act on the earth. They learn to use a variety of maps and aerial photographs to interpret both modern processes and geologic history. Geology majors also spend a great deal of time in the outdoors learning to interpret geology in the field. Field trips are an important aspect. 

Outcomes:

Students who compete the recommended Geology curriculum at Snow College will be expected to demonstrate that they

  • know the common materials of which the earth is composed;
  • know the processes that create the different types of rocks;
  • know the principal chemical and physical processes at work both on and below the earth’s surface;
  • know the major events in the geologic evolution of the earth, especially North America and Utah;
  • know the significant events in the development of geology as a science;
  • can identify common rocks and minerals;
  • can read and interpret topographic and geologic maps and aerial and satellite imagery 
    can identify common fossils;
  • can construct a geologic map from field data;
  • can interpret geology in the field;
  • can write a scientific style research paper;
  • can deliver a professional talk on an area of geologic research;
  • can make informed personal and political decisions in the area concerning earth processes;
  • appreciate the methods of science as a means of inquiry in the world;
  • appreciate the difference between science and pseudo-science;
  • possess a heightened awareness of rocks, land forms and structures around them;
  • appreciate the beauty that the understanding of geology brings to one’s life. 

Programs within Department: