The world is our laboratory!

The department stresses an empirical approach where you will get as much "hands on" experience as possible. The labs are well-equipped for introductory science courses.  We also get "down and dirty" too!  Most of our classes have a field trip component. The field trips provide you with the opportunity to study area beaches, borrow pits, and, if you like the water, Chesapeake Bay aboard TCC’s Research Vessel Matthew F. Maury (formally PCF-2).

A number of our students are either geology or oceanography majors.  Some even become majors after taking our sciences.  Our students who go on to a four-year school are highly prepared for the rigors of additional study.  Even if you are not planning to major in Geology or Oceanography, you will come away with a better understanding of the world around you.

We also have two student clubs, the Geology Club and the Oceanography Club.   Both meet during the week where they plan and conduct exciting activities. They have at least one weekend field trip every semester. The trips are set-up to be both informative and fun!