Course Syllabus

GEO 2502 Geology Field Studies II

Course Description

This course will consist of a few short meetings and a required multi-day field trip (of 3 - 5 days) to areas of geologic interest. Students will also be introduced to some of the basic skills required of a field geologist. A $50 course fee is required. This class is designed for majors and others interested. This course may be repeated.

Justification

This course designed for geology majors and other students interested in learning to apply the principles of geology in the field. Because Snow College otherwise only offers first-year geology courses, this course allows majors to continue to learn concepts and skills that will be important to them as geology majors. This class is most similar to USU GEO 2500, GEO 4000 at SUU, and GEO 202R at UVU. It fulfills part of the geology requirements for graduation.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify rock units, landforms, geologic structures, and/or fossils encountered in the field area and use them to interpret the geologic history of that area.
2. Demonstrate correct methods for keeping clear and accurate geologic field notes including location data, observations/interpretations, and basic field sketches.
3. Demonstrate ability to use common field tools and techniques such as measuring strike/dip with a Brunton compass, using GPS, geologic mapping, measuring stratigraphic sections, drafting geologic cross sections, excavating fossils, and mapping a fossil quarry.
   
4. Discuss the impacts of humans on local geology and vice versa with topics such as mining, environmental issues, geologic hazards, protection of public lands and resources, and historical events.
5. Students will be assessed through attendance, participation, quizzes, homework, field reports or field notes

Course Content

Specific content will vary depending on the semester and students but will always include a field trip to a particular area with stops and exercises designed to examine the important geologic and paleontological features of that area. Students will learn to use common field tools and techniques, and correct methods for keeping clear and accurate geologic field notes. They will learn to interpret rock units, landforms, geologic structures, and fossils in a real-world setting. They may learn techniques related to excavating fossils for study. The instructor will vary field trips and evaluations to help students learn a variety of geology and geologic techniques.This course represents an example of place-based learning which relies heavily on inquiry-based learning and a hands-on approach. Students will use a variety of tools and techniques to understand the geologic setting of field trip locations. In addition to gaining an understanding of the geology of an area, exploration of local topics such as mining, environmental issues, geologic hazards, protection of public lands and resources, and historical events will help students find personal relevance in the geological sciences.