GEOL230-08S1 (C) Semester One 2008

Field Studies A

11 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 25 February 2008
End Date: Sunday, 29 June 2008
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 9 March 2008
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 25 May 2008

Description

A practical introduction to the observation, recording and interpretation of geological and geomorphological data in the field and how to compile a geological map. It includes laboratory classes and seven days in the field.

GEOL230 provides an introduction to geological mapping and data collection, analysis and presentation techniques. Field work forms a significant part of most geological investigations, both for research and in industry, and this course is essential for all students advancing in Geology.

The course involves laboratory sessions that deal with air-photo and geological map interpretation, and section analysis and rock identification. There will be one longer field trip in GEOL230 to Island Hills, Culverden for 6 days in April.

What the course entails:
The laboratory sessions for GEOL230 are normally held in the first five weeks of the academic year (in the same lab times as GEOL234), and the six day field trip to Island Hills is scheduled in the University April study break.

What you need for this course:
Prerequisites are GEOL111 "Planet Earth" and GEOL112 "Understanding Earth History". With HOD permission, GEOL113 "Environmental Geohazards" may be substituted for either GEOL111 or GEOL112. You must also take as a corequisite GEOL231 and 22 points from GEOL232-236. A reasonable level of fitness and clothing suitable for outdoor work in all weathers are necessary.

What this course gets you into:
GEOL230 and 231 are essential prerequisites for entry to GEOL351 and GEOL352 "Advanced Geology Field Studies" (and 400 level studies also) and are strongly recommended for all students wishing to major in Geology.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students successfully completing this course will:
  • be able to observe, record and interpret a wide variety of geological phenomena in the field.
  • be able to systematically record outcrop data, measure basic structural and stratigraphic information.
  • be competent to carry out independent mapping and/or field data recording in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary terrain.
  • be able to use aerial photography and contour maps as an aid to field mapping and interpretation for analysis of geological maps and sections in the laboratory.

Prerequisites

GEOL111 and GEOL112 (GEOL113 or GEOL114 may be substituted for either of these provided a candidate has attained an overall B grade in GEOL 100 level courses, or
a standard which is acceptable to the HOD).

Co-requisites

11 points from any papers in GEOL232-GEOL236 offered in the same semester.

Timetable Note

Laboratories begin Friday 7 March (Week 2).

Field trips are scheduled for either 16-21 April or 21-26 April 2008.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Jamie Shulmeister

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Field notebook 60% Field notebook, geological map and short report of Island Hills mapping
Field exercise 20% Field exercise on dips/strikes, descriptions, cross section in field (marked in the field)
Lab test 20% Test in laboratory


Field notebook, geological map and short report of Island Hills mapping to be submitted by 4 pm on Monday 5 May for Group A or 4 pm Monday 12 May for Groups B and C.
The field exercise(s) on dips/strikes, descriptions, cross section will be marked in the field. There is no final examination.

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Reading

Barnes, J. W; Basic geological mapping ; 3rd ed; Wiley, 1995.

Maltman, Alex; Geological maps : an introduction ; 2nd ed; John Wiley, 1998.

Course links

Library portal

Notes

A field trip fee of $26 will be charged at enrolment - this is a very limited part charge for travel and accommodation.

Meals (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner) will be available for $15 per day for those students who wish to accept this option.

Students will need personal geological equipment, which can be purchased through the Department if desired. Approximate prices are: geological hammer ($70.00), safety glasses ($11.00), grainsize comparator ($4) and hand lens ($22.00).

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $460.00

International fee $1,979.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Geological Sciences .

All GEOL230 Occurrences

  • GEOL230-08S1 (C) Semester One 2008