This course includes a general acquaintance with the principles of geology and paleontology as well as an in-depth familiarity with the techniques and methods of data collection in vertebrate paleontology. Topics covered include introductions to geology as a science, to paleontology, to biostratigraphy, taphonomy, excavation technique and specimen preparation and preservation. Laboratory will include practical experience in excavation of fossil vertebrates. This course meets the General Education Laboratory Science requirement and may apply towards biology major. 3 Lec 3 Lab.
| Date | Events | Location | ||
| Monday, June | 7 | Introductory Lectures on Geology and Paleontology | Keene | |
| Tuesday | 8 | Begin Trip to Wyoming Arbuckle Anticline | Lincoln | |
| Wednesday | 9 | Rhino Fossil Beds | En route | |
| Thursday | 10 | Agate Fossil Beds Arrive at HRFS | HRFS | |
| Friday | 11 | Orientation and Tour of Ranch area | HRFS | |
| Saturday | 12 | Free time; Visit to Mt. Rushmore and | ||
| Black Hills Museum in afternoon | HRFS | |||
| Sunday | 13 | Free time; Visit to Custer State Park | HRFS | |
| Monday | 14 | Site Analysis and Preparation | HRFS | |
| Tuesday | 15 | Site Analysis and Preparation | HRFS | |
| Wednesday | 16 | Begin Excavation | HRFS | |
| Thursday | 17 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Friday | 18 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Saturday | 19 | Field trip to Dinosaur Nat'l Park, Green River Fm | Camp en route | |
| Sunday | 20 | Field trip (Cont'd) | Camp en route | |
| Monday | 21 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Tuesday | 22 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Wednesday | 23 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Thursday | 24 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Friday | 25 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Saturday | 26 | Field trip to Yellowstone Nat'l Park, Snell Cnyn-Greybull | Camp en route | |
| Sunday | 27 | Field trip (Cont'd) | Camp en route | |
| Monday | 28 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Tuesday | 29 | Excavation | HRFS | |
| Wednesday | 30 | Close and winterize site | HRFS | |
| Thursday, July | 1 | Travel to Lincoln | Lincoln | |
| Friday | 2 | Return to Keene | Keene |
A separate Schedule will detail the lectures and subjects covered.