Geology in the Field



Overview

Rocks are all around us, in the field, on the ground, beneath our feet, wherever we go. But how many of us are aware of the different rock types in our own local area, and their influence on landscape and scenery, natural environments, human settlement and activities, and public health and safety?

Geology may be studied in the lab, or from theoretical principles, but fieldwork involves examining rocks at first hand and in situ. Techniques include learning how to look and what to look for, keeping a field note book, recording observations, drawing labelled diagrams, measurements, plotting outcrops on a map, placing the outcrops in a local and regional context, and care of specimens.

The tutor welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced geology students.

For the field trips you will need: stout footwear, outdoor clothing, a small (e.g. A5, ideally hardbacked), notebook and pen/pencil (or a handheld electronic alternative), a tape-measure/ruler, and a scale for photographs. A x10 handlens is useful. If we visit working quarries, you may like to have your own hard hat and high-visibility jacket (tutor has some spares).  Each year we visit a new set of localities to see a range of geological features.

“...the best geologist is [the one] who has seen most rocks”

(HH Read, 1889-1970).

Programme details

Course begins: 7 May 2024

Week 1: At Ewert House:  Introduction to the course. Geology of Oxfordshire and nearby counties. 

For the next four weeks, we meet at field locations to be advised.  Provisional schedule (depending on conditions and permissions at the time):

Week 2: The Jurassic of Oxfordshire

Week 3: The oolitic escarpment

Week 4: Cretaceous hills and valleys

Week 5: Geology under our feet

Week 6 At Ewert House:  Review and discussion of week 2-5 fieldwork

Weeks 1 and 6 are single two hour sessions in the morning. Weeks 2-5 will consist of two x 2 hour sessions at field locations with lunch break in between.

Digital Certification

To complete the course and receive a certificate, you will be required to attend at least 80% of the classes on the course and pass your final assignment. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £257.00
Take this course for CATS points £10.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Carol Lister

Carol has a doctorate in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, a master's degree in Applied Landscape Archaeology, and many years’ experience as a Professional Geologist and University Teacher.

Course aims

To introduce techniques for geological fieldwork, examining outcrops in Oxfordshire and nearby counties.

Course Objectives:

  • To study rocks in outcrop, and identify rock types, structures, minerals and fossils.
  • To demonstrate and practice geological field techniques.
  • To observe the distribution of rock types, and the consequences for landscape and the natural and human environment.

Teaching methods

After an introductory session at Ewert House, teaching and learning will take place at field locations. We will examine the rock outcrops and surrounding areas, and instruction will be given in recording and interpreting the geology, and the principles of geological mapping. Students will be asked to keep a field notebook. In the final session at Ewert House, we will review everything that we have seen on our field trips.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to:

  • know how to recognise some common rock types, structures, minerals and fossils in the field;
  • know how to make measurements, record field observations, and collect data for geological maps;
  • understand the geology of Oxfordshire and beyond.

Assessment methods

Students may either hand in their field notebook at the end of the course, or may choose to write up the field trips in the form of a report not exceeding 1500 words. Personal observations are essential, but may be supported by background research on the geology of the region and the localities visited.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

There is no requirement for any prior knowledge or experience of the subject. The course may appeal to people who enjoy walking in the countryside, and would like to know more about the rocks that form the landscape. Geology encompasses all aspects of natural history, so those who have a special interest, for example in plants or birds, will be welcome. Anyone who has studied or read about geology will have the opportunity to put theory into practice. 

Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support