Malaspina University College – Geology Department 2007 Report

1. Reporting Institution: Geology Department, Malaspina University College, Nanaimo, BC

2. Representative: Tim Stokes; 753-3245 ex 2004 stokest@mala.bc.ca

3. Changes/Activities

Programs/Courses

1. January 2007 saw the final approval of the Minor in Earth Science for both BA and BSc students at Malapsina. This has been about 3-4 years in the works and has finally happened. Our first student will graduate in early June 2007.

2. A number of new 200, 300 and 400 level courses have come on stream in past two years as part of minor expansion including:

• GEOL 200 (3) Mineralogy and Petrology
• GEOL 202 (3) Earth Structures
• GEOL 206 (3) Field Geology and Geological Mapping
• GEOL 301 (3) Cave & Karst Landscapes and Systems (online)
• GEOL 380 (3) Earth Science Work Experience
• GEOL 470 (3) Earth Science Issues in British Columbia

3. Of these courses the newest addition is our geology field school GEOL 206 that has just finished in May 2007 on Quadra and Texada Islands.

4. Special Field studies program over last year has include trips to both Rockies and Hawaii (currently in progress)

5. Consideration is being given to developing a Major in Geoscience in combination with Geography Department. Currently almost sufficient number and range of courses to be in line with the academic requirements for a Professional Environmental Geoscienist. Discussing course equivalence issues with APEGBC as a first step in process.

Staffing

Tim Stokes – new chair as of Dec 2006

Steve Earle and Maggie McColl (Full Time Instructors)

Sandra Johnston (Part Time Instructor)

Owen Peer (Geology Technician)

Enrolment Trends

Difficult to really assess somewhat as minor is a new program. However, overall numbers in 100-level courses for 2006-2007 down and vary from approximately 45 in GEOL 111 to approximately 20 in GEOL 112. 200 and 300 level courses currently have 10-16/per class and are below maximum.

Facilities

Currently one lab, a prep room and storage area. Great access to nearby field sites! A new science building is schedule for construction in 2008-2009. Our facilities will expand to two labs, a large prep room and more storage.

4. Issues/Challenges

1. Recruitment and retention – this is not only for our department, but for all of sciences and another programs. Major push by Malaspina to address this.

2. Severe budget buts recently imposed by BC government on Malapsina have had some major ramifications including staff reductions and expense cutbacks. For geology implications are: part-time technician and higher workload hours required for faculty,

3. Space issue ongoing, but likely to be resolved in future