Experiential Learning
Explore the variety of classes we offer students so they can learn and apply their knowledge in and outside the classroom.
Course Highlights
MEA 465 Geologic Field Camp
Geology students set off on a monthlong trip through New Mexico and Colorado to learn the process of geologic mapping. This course includes an introduction to field instruments, techniques used in geological sciences and geologic field mapping in areas ranging from undeformed sedimentary rocks to complexly deformed crystalline rocks.
MEA 459 Field Investigation of Coastal Processes
Marine science students head to the coast of North Carolina to spend weeks conducting field observations and learning field techniques. Students in this course learn about coastal zone processes and dynamics with emphasis on the forcing factors that regulate changing coastal landforms, the ecology and physicochemical character of coastal ocean water-masses, seabed morphologies, landscape academes, etc.
MEA 493 Geosciences Instrumentation
Students in this class design, 3D-print and deploy their own weather station, code environmental sensors with Python and Raspberry Pi, learn how to solder and master other skills at the core of modern scientific practices. Students gain practical field experience by getting to go out to our Lake Wheeler field laboratory.
MEA 599 Regional Geology of North America
Students in this class take an interdisciplinary approach to learning about classic geologic localities and geomorphic processes not indigenous to North Carolina. Students participate in a field trip over fall break, having gone to locations like Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
MEA 439/MEA 539 Interdisciplinary Innovation in the Blue Economy
In this course, students apply interdisciplinary entrepreneurial thinking to innovations that promote the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. The course involves active discussion about current events facing sustainability of coastal and ocean ecosystems, case studies of cutting-edge science & technology, and assigned readings.
Students participate in field trip to CMAST in Morehead City and participate in a three-day Blue Economy Workshop.
MEA 511 Introduction to Meteorological Remote Sensing
Over the course of the semester, students in this class design a radar observing system for a particular place that accounts for the specific climatology of their assigned location. Toward the end of the semester, students present their radar proposals in a conference-style format to judges, many of whom are MEAS alumni.
MEA 493 Fire in the Earth System
Students in this class learn the fundamentals of wildfire science and the role of fire in the Earth system. Students use augmented reality to virtually train for real-world wildfire disasters and decision-making.
MEA 451 Structural Geology
Students in this class utilize basic principles of geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis to identify and interpret geologic structures including fractures, faults, folds, fabrics, and shear zones. Topics covered include stress and strain, brittle and ductile deformation, geologic maps and cross-sections, and plate tectonics.
They take trips to get real-world experience taking measurements, conducting structural analyses and working with specialized instruments.
MEA 493 Nature Based Solutions
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are actions that incorporate natural features and processes to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural or modified ecosystems to address social and environmental challenges. NbS capitalizes on nature’s fundamental ability to provide beneficial services and are increasingly used to reduce environmental risks including coastal and inland flooding, drought, wildfire, and urban heat. This course provides a broad understanding of NbS policy, design, implementation, goals, and monitoring, and introduces students to careers and professionals in NbS practice.