Learning Beyond the Classroom: A New Era for Mount Royal University Geology Students
Envision a classroom with no walls, where the horizon becomes its boundary and the earth beneath your feet serves as its floor. For the Mount Royal University’s (MRU) fourth year Bachelor of Science students studying Geology, this is now a reality. From unearthing the secrets of the earth’s complex systems and processes to identifying hydrocarbon, mineral and groundwater resources, hands-on exploration is at the heart of their education. Now, MRU’s Geology department is raising the bar by taking learning beyond the classroom with a transformative new field-based learning component.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), MRU’s Geology department has revamped their fourth-year level classes. The courses Advanced Topics in Sedimentary Geology (GEOL 4101) and Advanced Topics in Igneous/Metamorphic Geology (GEOL 4103) now offer MRU students an immersive experience. Here, theoretical practice meets real-world application. The addition of these classes allow students to put what they’re learning in the classroom into practice alongside their professors.
“Through the CAPP Charitable Gift Fund, CAPP has been partnering with MRU for over two decades. We truly value the partnership and as our previous commitment came to a close, we explored opportunities to deepen the relationship and augment our support of students, especially for those students focused on working in the energy sector. Supporting the Geology program seemed like a natural fit by ensuring the programs provide the necessary practical educational experience, and not become cost prohibitive for students.
Practical, field-based learning is important to the overall success of student outcomes. CAPP was pleased to support the students to provide this hands-on, applied learning experience for future geologists.” Elmien Wingert, CFO, Corporate Services, CAPP
This new addition to the spring core classes gives students the flexibility to complete the pre-course work and attend five days of field learning in the Kelowna, BC area. When they return back they can continue to work in their summer job while completing the online component allowing students to apply their learnings directly to the profession.
"This financial support from CAPP allows us to engage students in science in an advanced way, where they can create hypotheses from real-world geoscience problems and collect their own data to solve those problems." Michelle DeWolfe, Chair of Earth and Environmental Sciences, MRU Professor
With the launch of the new field-based learning component, the Geology department at MRU is building a legacy of excellence in partnership with CAPP, ensuring that MRU students are prepared to meet the demands of the future.
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