COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the geology program at Acadia, students engage with a solid foundation in earth sciences alongside complementary courses in chemistry, physics, math, and the arts. During the first semester, the core course, Our Dynamic Earth, introduces students to the fundamental processes that shape our planet, supported by a laboratory component that offers hands-on experience. This semester also includes General Chemistry 1 with its lab, providing essential knowledge of chemical principles relevant to geological studies. Students strengthen their quantitative skills through Introductory Calculus 1 and gain a basic understanding of physical principles with Introductory Physics 1. An introductory arts course rounds out the semester, encouraging a broader educational perspective. In the second semester, students continue their exploration of earth sciences with Earth History: Global Change through Time, which examines the evolution of the planet and its changing environments. General Chemistry 2 builds on the first semester’s content, while Introductory Calculus 2 and Introductory Physics 2 deepen students’ mathematical and physical understanding. Another arts course is included to ensure a well-rounded education. This combination of courses is designed to provide geology students with a comprehensive scientific foundation, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program’s integration of labs and fieldwork alongside lectures helps students develop critical thinking and analytical abilities, preparing them for more advanced geological studies in the following years. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students gain insight into the complex interactions that influence the earth’s past, present, and future, setting the stage for a successful academic and professional career in geology or related fields.