June 13 – July 13, 2025
July 9 – August 8, 2025
Date includes travel time and are subject to change.
EARTH 450 explores the principles of ecosystem science using field projects in the Rocky Mountains. The unique and diverse geological history and climate of this region controls the occurrence of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and the plants and animals of which they are composed. We will develop and use an understanding of geological and meteorological processes to understand the distribution and function of grasslands, forests, and alpine ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains. The course is designed for majors in geological sciences, natural resources and environmental science to gain field-based knowledge and experience of Rocky Mountain geology and ecology. It is also designed for students majoring in other areas who have a general interest in this subject matter.
EARTH 450 is cross-listed as ENVIRON 450.
Instructors
We offer two sections of Earth 450. The first section will be co-taught by EARTH faculty Greg Dick, Nathan Sheldon, Monica Carvalho, and Selena Smith. The second section will be taught by EARTH faculty Marin Clark, Rose Cory, and Becky Lange; EEB faculty George Kling, and Utah State Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Beth Neilson.
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an introductory geology course (more below), a course in geobiology (EARTH 313), and a course in environmental geochemistry (EARTH 325),
Intro geology options:
- EARTH 116
- EARTH 118 and 119
- EARTH 120
Please reference our Fulfill Requirements page for a matrix of what requirements are fulfilled by EARTH 450.
Costs
Tuition
All Camp Davis courses are considered Summer Half-Term. Please visit the UM Tuition & Fees web page for current tuition rates.
Tuition rates for all Camp Davis courses are set by the Registrar’s office, billed the 2nd week in June, and due June 30th. Students will be billed for 6 credits at a rate consistent with the student’s residency status (in-state/out-of-state), the college or school in which the student is enrolled, and the student’s academic standing (lower-level/upper-level).
Course Fees
In addition to tuition, course fees are assessed for all students. While tuition pays for credits and instruction, course fees pay room, board, transportation, and other operational costs. For EARTH 116, course fees will be assessed at $2775. This is billed the 2nd week of June and is due June 30th.
Financial Aid
We are committed to making taking classes at Camp Davis accessible to all EARTH majors and other students to the extent we are able, and make every effort to address the financial challenges posed for attending a class at camp. We make every effort to address the financial challenges posed for attending a class at Camp Davis. The department, college(s), and university all make different types of financial aid available to qualifying students. The deadlines among these sources vary and are strictly enforced. Please visit our Financial Aid & Scholarships web page to apply. We also invite you to speak with Camp Davis Assistant Director Chris Malvica (cmalvica@umich.edu) to discuss your specific situation after completing the necessary financial aid forms at the link above.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information. You can also contact us directly with any additional questions or concerns.
