Introduction to Field Geology

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Dr Philip Hopley
• Assessment: field exercises (75%) and a 1500-word report (25%)

This module will give you experience of techniques involved in geological fieldwork through four Easter field classes. Performance in the field (accuracy of observations and records) and quality of interpretation are assessed during and immediately following each 10-14-day field class by the field class leader in consultation with demonstrators (if any).

You will need a hard hat, hand lens, field notebooks, compass, clinometer, pencils, mapping pens, tape measure and geological hammers.

Indicative syllabus

• Introduction to sedimentary and igneous rocks in the field
• Introduction to geological field mapping, including map reading, field safety, location using GPS and compass, simple structural measurements (dips and strikes) and recording geological boundaries
• Writing field notes and drawing field sketches; writing a field report

By the end of this module you will have basic and widely transferable field skills and first-hand experience of a wide variety of geological phenomena.