20806251Undergraduate Geology Field Experience
Course Information
Description
A multi-day, hands-on learning geology experience for students interested in the earth sciences. Participate in a field trip to important geological locations and gain experience identifying minerals, rocks and fossils in the field. Practice making observations and interpretations on geology and learn how to “see” geology in the field. Field trip destination may vary depending on the instructor leading the course.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Identify and classify common minerals, rocks and fossils.
    Assessment Strategies
    Field demonstration, field notebook, final paper
    Criteria
    Summarize the characteristics needed to classify mineral, rock and fossils samples
    Differentiate between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

  2. Summarize the geologic history of the area visited.
    Assessment Strategies
    Field demonstration, field notebook, final paper
    Criteria
    Summarize the important events of the geologic history of the area
    Use evidence from geologic samples (minerals, rocks, fossils) in your summary
    Use relative and absolute age dates and techniques to summarize the area’s history

  3. Explain the role of plate tectonics in shaping the area visited.
    Assessment Strategies
    Field demonstration, field notebook, final paper
    Criteria
    Identify the tectonic setting the area
    Use evidence from geologic features (volcanoes, faults, folds, mountain belts) in your explanation
    Explain how the tectonic setting has changed over geologic time

  4. Develop practical geologic field skills, including note-taking, sketching and map reading.
    Assessment Strategies
    Field demonstration, field notebook
    Criteria
    Read and interpret topographic and geologic maps and cross-sections
    Record detailed field notes and observations in your field journal
    Create detailed sketches of geologic features in your field journal
    Record all relative information in your notes and sketches