GEOL 275 Field Geology*

This Field-based course is designed for students who have completed prior coursework in geology/earth science and provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge by visiting and studying exceptional geologic localities within a specific region. Field trips localities will vary by semester as will trip length (1 to 10 days). The class will include preparatory lectures, presentations, and a research project.

Credits

1-4 Credits

Prerequisite

Instructor Permission

GEOL 275Field Geology*

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

II. Course Specification

Credit Hours Narrative

1-4 Credits

Prerequisite Narrative

Instructor Permission

III. Catalog Course Description

This Field-based course is designed for students who have completed prior coursework in geology/earth science and provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge by visiting and studying exceptional geologic localities within a specific region. Field trips localities will vary by semester as will trip length (1 to 10 days). The class will include preparatory lectures, presentations, and a research project.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Identify and describe various geologic processes, features, and hazards in the area of study. Students will closely examine a variety of geologic features in the field and record detailed observations in a field notebook. They will also be asked to make sound interpretations about the origin and or significance of these features
  • Accurately communicate field observations in a scientific format, both verbally and in writing. Students will prepare an oral presentation of chosen area of interest and will successfully complete the required written field notebook. The field notebook must include all pertinent data from each locality, including observations, resulting questions, hypotheses, sketches, etc.
  • Explore the details of observation and question/hypothesis formulation that precedes experimental design and experimentation. Formulate clear and focused questions with measurable dependent and independent variables. At each field trip stop students will make qualitative observations, collect variable data, ask questions, propose multiple hypotheses, propose possible experiments to answer their questions and prove or disprove their hypotheses. All will be recorded in the Field Notebook.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

VI. Delivery Methodologies