Polarizing microscopes and thin sectioning equipment are being incorporated into several geology courses. The instruments will be used to improve instruction in five upper division courses including mineralogy, petrology, economic geology, and optical mineralogy, as well as independent undergraduate research projects. Students can now get "hands-on" experience from sample preparation to their identification, with the use of thin sectioning equipment. This will be aided by the department's personal computers using mineral identification software. The university will contribute an amount equal to the award.
