Natural Sciences
The Natural Sciences program at Mesalands Community College awards an Associate of Arts degree with an option in either Geology or Paleontology. Both program options take full advantage of the rich natural resources of the region, a high technology science laboratory, and the College’s Dinosaur Museum.
Geology
New Mexico has a rich and varied geological history. Early Native Americans collected chert to make arrowheads, the Spanish mined copper and gold, and Anglo settlers extracted silver and uranium.
The Geology program at Mesalands Community College provides a primary education in the natural sciences. Students are exposed to the fundamentals of geology, biology, and computer science. The program emphasizes practical knowledge through a combination of field trips and laboratory work. Courses take advantage of the rich natural resources of the mesa country of eastern New Mexico, a state-of-the-art, computer-interactive science laboratory, and the College’s Dinosaur Museum.
Degree Requirements
AA Geology – Plan of Study
Paleontology
Fossils are important sources of biological and geological information. Many types and ages of fossils are present in the Quay County region of New Mexicofrom dinosaur footprints to mammoth skeletons, mighty dinosaur skeletons, and sea shells.
The Paleontology program provides a primary education in the earth and biological sciences with an emphasis on paleontology. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of geology, biology, and paleontology. This option emphasizes practical knowledge of fossils through a combination of field trips and laboratory work. An emphasis on the collection, preparation, and study of fossils culminates in a series of optional week-long summer “dinosaur digs.”
Degree Requirements
AA Paleontology – Plan of Study