GEOL241-21S2 (C) Semester Two 2021

Field Studies B - Field Techniques

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 July 2021
End Date: Sunday, 14 November 2021
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 1 August 2021
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 1 October 2021

Description

Geological mapping involves the observation, recording and interpretation of field data, and is a fundamental skill required by all practicing geologists. GEOL 241 introduces field techniques applied to metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks, and rock deformation structures, through laboratory classes and field work completed during the August/September semester break.

2021 Covid-19 Update:
Please refer to the course page on AKO | Learn for all information about your course, including lectures, labs, tutorials, field trips and assessments.

Geological mapping involves the observation, recording and interpretation of field data, and is a fundamental skill required by all practicing geologists. GEOL241 introduces field techniques to students – these include identification and description of a variety of rock types, measuring stratigraphic columns, collection and interpretation of rock deformation structures, assessment of igneous rock relationships as well as geological mapping. GEOL241 comprises 7 days of field geology, based in Westport|Kawatiri, during August/September during which a variety of field data will be collected.  In laboratory exercises post-trip, this field data will be analysed and interpreted using thin sections (for igneous petrology), and students will have the opportunity to receive feedback and rewrite comprehensive geological histories of the field area.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe the structure, texture and composition of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
  • Create geological maps and draft cross-sections from model and field data.
  • Record field outcrop data in notebooks and onto maps, as sketches, stratigraphic columns, and structural measurements.
  • Interpret sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous environments based on the information they have recorded in the field, and information from thin sections.
  • Create interpretative 3D block diagrams.
  • Conduct literature research to support field observations and interpretations.

    The topics coved by this course are:
  • measurement of stratigraphic logs in the field.
  • collection and interpretation of structural data and the use of stereonets.
  • description and mapping of a small field area.
  • description of metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks in the field and in thin-section.
  • creating a geological history of a field area.
    • University Graduate Attributes

      This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

      Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

      Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

      Employable, innovative and enterprising

      Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

      Biculturally competent and confident

      Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.

Prerequisites

GEOL111 and any 15 points at 100 level from GEOL.

Restrictions

GEOL231

Co-requisites

15 points from any of GEOL242-246 offered in the same semester

Course Coordinator

Kate Pedley

Course coordinator: Kate Pedley
Fieldtrip logistics: Sacha Baldwin

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Lab exercise completion 5% Lab exercise completion
Field exercises 65% Field exercises
Thin section analysis 5% Thin section analysis
Final Geological History 25% Final Geological History


Assessment name  -  Weighting  -  Due date (if known)
Lab exercise completion  -  5%  -  Various
Field Exercises  -  65%  -  Last day of 7 day fieldtrip
Thin section analysis  -  5%  -   Week 9
Final Geological History  -  25%  -  Monday 5 pm 11th October

Textbooks / Resources

Recommended Reading

Compton, Robert R; Geology in the field ; Wiley, 1985.

Course links

Library portal

Notes

Prerequisites: (1) GEOL111, and (2) GEOL113 or GEOL115

Restrictions: GEOL231
Co-requisites: 15 points from any of GEOL242-246 offered in the same semester.

Recommended Preparation: GEOL240, GEOL242, GEOL243

Laboratory Sessions (2.5 hrs) with 2 streams each week
Week #
1 - No lab
2 - Rock description, sketching and interpretation in the field. Health and
Safety while on fieldtrip. Tikanga. Field gear and forms.
3 - Stratigraphic logs
4 - Geological maps & cross section
5 - Folds and Stereonets
6 - No lab
7 - Group A Westport (7 days)
8 - Group B Westport (7 days)
9 - No lab
10 - No lab
11 - Thin section analysis exercise (assessed)
12 - Geological History & 3D block models (assessed)
13 - No lab
14 - No lab

NOTE: Each field trip lasts for 7 days. The timetable only lists the departure days.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $945.00

International fee $4,473.00

* 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.

Fees Note

Additional Course Fees:
Field Trip - A small field trip fee is charged at enrolment and covers the cost of transport and accommodation. Optional, but strongly advised, catering (breakfast, packed lunch and dinner) will be available (cost: TBC) whilst at Westport.

Minimum enrolments

This course will not be offered if fewer than 30 people apply to enrol.

For further information see School of Earth and Environment .

All GEOL241 Occurrences

  • GEOL241-21S2 (C) Semester Two 2021