Field experiences in geosciences: A case study from a multidisciplinary geology and geography course

Multidisciplinary field investigations courses offer exciting alternatives to traditional learning. They offer a more holistic view of Earth and an opportunity for students to experience the relationships between all of the different elements instead of just one individual segment. We designed a multidisciplinary field investigations course for upper division students of the earth sciences. The course provides an opportunity for geology, environmental science, environmental studies, and geography students to collaborate on projects while learning about the interconnections between geology and geography as they shape unique landscapes. We use the field investigations courses that we have taught in the Greater Yellowstone region, Pacific Northwest, and Southwest United States as case studies to demonstrate the advantages of combining disciplines into a single course. We collected voluntary course evaluations from the student participants of these courses to evaluate the course and learn the benefits of field experiences in the geosciences. These data along with faculty experience and observation suggest that a holistic approach in undergraduate field courses broadens student experiences, enhances peer-based and collaborative learning, builds team-working skills, and fosters a curiosity about the natural environment.