9451165 Bart The field of geological education has changed dramatically in the past 2O years. Part of this progress is reflected in the incorporation of environmental and hydrogeologic courses in the curriculum. Undergraduates engaged in geologic study throughout our nation are moving into these endeavors because of the strong employment possibilities created by a growing industry. Until recently, environmental and hydrologic study were not part of the curriculum at La Salle University. The Department of Geology is hoping to correct this deficiency in our program by purchasing the necessary equipment to add hands-on environmental and hydrogeologic experiences to our curriculum. This equipment will be used by freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior majors, in earth science teacher preparation, and freshmen introductory classes, and will serve as an important part of our curriculum in: Introductory Geology, Environmental Geology, Hydrogeology, Sedimentology, Environmental Geology, and Student Research. With this laboratory equipment our students will be complementing their intensive use of standard geologic investigation equipment and will be capable of investigating the earth in ways never before possible in our program. Subsurface interface radar will be used for conducting studies such as bedrock depths, soil profiles, water table information, fracture and fault mapping. Water studies will include water analysis for characterization of surface and subsurface quality. The gas vapor soil probe and organic vapor meter will be used for investigations of possible hydrocarbon contamination of soils. The radon detector will give students the chance to evaluate radon levels of soils throughout our region. If supported, this project will create a new and exciting dimension in geologic investigation at La Salle; and the students we serve will be better prepared for the challenges of graduate studies, teaching, employment in environmental sciences, and research.
