Facilities

The Department has modern, well-equipped laboratories in the Jepson Science Center to support instructional activities and provide opportunities for research.  All classrooms and laboratories are equipped with data ports for access to the College computer network.  Seventeen networked personal computers are available for student use.  Other major equipment items include petrographic microscopes, a fluid-inclusion instrument, automated x-ray diffractometer, energy dispersive spectrometer, cathodoluminesence instrument and thin sectioning equipment.  The Department also has equipment to support geologic field research, including GPS instruments, surveying equipment, a gasoline powered core drill, and Brunton compasses.  Independent study labs are available for students conducting  research projects. 

A structural geology student measures the orientation of joint sets with a Brunton compass.