EESC 608 - Geology & Ecology of the Isle of Arran,Scotland

Institution:

University of Pennsylvania

Subject:

Description:

Giegengack and Bordeaux. Prerequisite(s): An introductory Geology or Ecology course would be helpful. MES Summer Course. The Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, might very well be called the birthplace of modern Geology. James Hutton, Scottish Physician and gentleman farmer, conceived of the concept of Uniformitarianism, while wandering about the Isle of Arran. Hutton's Theory of the Earth laid down this concept, which later became one of the foundation principles of modern geology and earned him the appellation "Father of Modern Geology". The island offers a wide variety of rock types and geological events that has drawn geologists and students from around the globe to this tiny island. The position of the Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland, places it close to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, allowing for a much milder and wetter climate than might be expected from the island's latitude. The distribution and types of plants and animals found on the island are a direct consequence of this milder and wetter climate. The proximity to ocean waters also gives the class a chance to examine near shore marine environments. ENVS 688 is a two-week intensive field course in the geology, natural history, ecology, and culture of the Isle of Arran, Scotland. Pre-trip classes will be held online before the trip to ensure that all students are adequately familiar with basic principles of field-based natural science. Students will then meet in Glasgow and travel together to the Isle of Arran where they will be based for the duration of the two weeks. Students will participate in a number of field exercises that include: mapping of dikes, examination of raised beaches (causes and consequences), cave formation, and modern landscape formation based on underlying geology. The types of plants and animals found on the island will be examined in light of their position on the island and the underlying geology. Students will map floral distributions as part of a multi-day exercise, examine the red deer population and the effects of interbreeding with an introduced Japanese Sika deer, and the possible consequences of reintroducing the wolf. Students will also examine ancient standing stones, stone circles, runrig agricultural practice's effects on modern landscapes, and tour Brodick Castle as part of the cultural aspect of the course. Guest lectures from local historians are also planned.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.upenn.edu

Phone Number:

(215) 898-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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