Geology & Environmental Science
Understanding the natural world
People in the Geology & Environmental Science department have a reputation for knowing what’s going on in the natural world, and for knowing why. We prepare students by building their ability to see what’s really there, to describe it and develop analytical skills to help them understand the natural processes.
The result is a small, professionally active faculty and a dynamic nucleus of students in a vibrant learning community. We offer two degrees. The first, a bachelor’s degree in Geology, focuses on that discipline with strong support from other sciences and mathematics. The more interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science has support from physical and life sciences and from engineering.
Being field-based science curricula, both programs have abundant experiential learning opportunities. These occur as labs and field trips, and as extracurricular programs such as annual spring trips to the American Southwest, field camps and National Science Foundation (NSF) summer opportunities.
We also have a strong commitment to student research, with opportunities available both inside and outside the U.S. during summer months. Many of our students have worked with faculty on research projects in Greece, Portugal and Italy.
We encourage students to seek teacher licensure, and have designed the degree programs to make this career path attractive. We also encourage graduates to continue their education, often after a military career, by finding the right graduate school.
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy … Continue reading →
I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to be spending my 2011-2012 Independent Study Leave (a.k.a. sabbatical) in the laboratory of Dr. Bryan Ballif in the Department of Biology at the University of Vermont! I am spending the year … Continue reading →
Happy Math Awareness Month! (Were you aware of that?) It’s Integration Bee day here at Norwich! I look forward to this all year. Integration is something learned in Calculus I courses and really worked on in Calculus II. Integration means … Continue reading →
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene dumped a tremendous amount of rain on the town of Northfield, but Norwich University opened on time as usual. Kinesiology and Exercise Prescription for Strength and Fitness are in full swing, with what I hope is a … Continue reading →
David S. Westerman Department of Geology and Environmental Science Norwich University 158 Harmon Drive Northfield, VT 05663 westy@norwich.edu 802 485-2337 The photo below was taken from the coffee balcony outside my bedroom looking out on “Lake Moretown” during the peak … Continue reading →
Richard K. Dunn, Chair Department of Geology and Environmental Science Norwich University Northfield, VT 05663 Tel: 802 485 2304 Fax: 802 485 2333 email: rdunn@norwich.edu This site will introduce you to my teaching and research interests. Also, as Chair of … Continue reading →
A third generation Vermonter, I was born in Barre, Vermont. After earning my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree at the University of Vermont, I joined the Norwich faculty in 1985 (being promoted to associate professor and tenured in 1991, and promoted to full professor in 2001).
I am a professor of biology and have been at Norwich University since 1974. I hope this website lets you learn more about me, my courses, my research, and my hobbies and interests. Feel free to contact me. I have … Continue reading →
