Course Syllabus

Course: GEO 2502

Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Geology
Title: Geology Field Studies II

Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028

Catalog 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.

Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.


Prerequisites: GEO 1010 or 1110 or permission of instructor

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:
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. This will be assessed using quizzes and/or field notes.

Demonstrate correct methods for keeping clear and accurate geologic field notes including location data, observations/interpretations, and basic field sketches. This will be assessed through the submission of field notes.

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.
 This will be assessed through the submission of field notes and participation in exercises in the field.

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. This will be assessed through quizzes, field notes, and/or participation in the field.

Students will be assessed through attendance, participation, quizzes, homework, field reports or field notes 


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 diverse students find personal relevance in the geological sciences.


Key Performance Indicators:
Attendance and participation in the field 40 to 60%

Quizzes and homework 0 to 20%

Field notes/reports 40 to 60%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No required texts. Readings specific to field trip areas will be provided by the instructor at no cost to the student.


Pedagogy Statement:
Instructors will use lectures, demonstrations, discussions, field trip stops, and group work to engage and encourage learning. Instructors will work to become aware of the negative or oppressive experiences of marginalized students. They will demonstrate caring through attitude, expectations, and behavior. They will make an effort to learn students' names, learn about their backgrounds and social identities, and include their unique perspectives. Instructors will work to understand any physical limitations students may have and design field trips in an accessible manner. Instructors will provide constructive feedback. They will foster opportunities for group work and peer-to-peer instruction.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 6