Capstone Resources
General Timeline for Senior Capstone Research
General Timeline for Senior Capstone Research - Printable version
Research Options for Geology Majors
Senior Thesis
Work with a faculty advisor(s).
Submit research proposal.
Research work beyond a block, usually over a summer and semester.
Take GY405 Thesis block (up to 2).
Presentation at Geo Day.
Final product is a written document that follows a strict format and is published in the Colorado College Library after completion.
Senior Project
Work with a faculty advisor(s).
Submit research proposal.
Research work can be beyond a block, but is not required.
Take a GY405 project block.
Presentation at Geo Day.
Final product is whatever makes the most sense for your project.
Research Deadlines
- Block 3, 2nd Monday - Senior Research Proposals final draft due to advisor.
- Block 5, 1st day - First draft of introduction, study area, previous work, methods, and figures due to advisor.
- Block 6, last day - Completed draft of Research Paper due to advisor.
- Block 7, 1st Saturday - Geo Day!
- Block 7, 2nd Friday - Completed revised draft of Research Paper due to advisor and 2nd reader.
- Block 8, 4th Friday - Thesis copies for library due; final Senior Project due.
How Do I Write a Research Proposal?
Detailed Proposal guidelines (p.3)
A senior thesis proposal is a short document that describes the research project one plans to carry out. It must include:
- Introduction includes a review of the supporting literature.
- Summary of completed work.
- Methods section that outlines proposed work.
- Schedule for proposed work.
- Bibliography: Download ZOTERO which works with Microsoft Word to build a bibliography while you write.
Journal article example
Arias, O., and Denyer, P., 1991, Estructura geológica de la región comprendida en las hojas topográficas Abras, Caraigres, Candelaria y Río Grande, Costa Rica: Revista Geológica de América Central, no. 12, p. 61–74.
GSA Reference Guidelines and Examples
Proposal Review
Once the research proposals are Submitted, faculty will review and evaluate proposals based on the content, writing, and feasibility. After all proposals are reviewed your faculty advisor will approve the proposal or return it for further edits or revision.
Final Writing Evaluation
Final Paper/Geo Day Presentation Rubric pdf
Geology Department Research Symposium: Geo Day
- 1st Saturday of Block 7.
- Starts at 8:30 AM with a catered breakfast.
- Includes student presentations, poster sessions, and department awards and announcements.
Abstracts - Due Mid-March
A concise summary of the scope, importance, and findings for your capstone research project. Mandy will send out further details to those presenting.
Poster Guidelines
Includes abstract, background information, geologic context figure, [brief!] methods, results, conclusion, and references.
Presentation Guidelines
15-minute presentation - practice with a timer is highly recommended.
Includes title, research questions, study site, geologic background, impetus for research (i.e., why should we care?), methods and results, conclusions, future work, and gratitude.
Photo by Steve Weaver