Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - EASC 206 D100

Field Geology I (2)

Class Number: 1961

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Derek Thorkelson
    dthorkel@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5390
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7229

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 and prerequisite/co-requisite: EASC 210. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Methods of field navigation, geological mapping and the interpretation of geological field data including cross sections, the geological time scale, and stratigraphic sections and columns. Includes two weekend field trips. Field locations may vary from year to year. All lectures and field trips are mandatory.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
Students will learn basic field methods such as taking notes, reading maps, characterizing exposures of rocks and sediments, interpreting textures and structures, and field safety.

Course Structure:
There are two components to this course.  The field component involves 2 weekends of camping in Merritt, BC.  The lecture component involves one three-hour lecture per week until approximately the middle of the fall semester.  Attendance at all lectures and field exercises is mandatory.

Field Exercise Dates:
Merritt 1  Two nights.  Leave 1:30 pm Friday September 16.  Return 5 pm Sunday September 18.
Merritt 2  Two nights.  Leave 1:30 pm Friday September 23.  Return 5 pm Sunday September 25.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Recognize basic structural features such as folds, faults, joints, mineral lineations
2. Use a Brunton compass to take strike and dip measurements of planar surfaces and trend
and plunge measurements of linear features
3. Accurately identify rocks, minerals and fossils in the field
4. Record field data in a legible and systematic format
5. Sketch important field relationships in a neat, oriented sketch drawing
6. Construct a stratigraphic section from field data
7. Determine structural trends and rock relationships from maps and field data
8. Interpret field data to produce a geological history of a field site
9. Understand the significance of primary sedimentary structures and metamorphic and igneous
textures as indicators of initial conditions of rock formation
10. Be familiar with field equipment, field safety, field etiquette

Grading

NOTES:

The grade will be based on in-class assignments, field exercises, field performance and professional conduct, and a final exam.  The final exam will be held in the last lecture time-slot, the date of which will be announced in the first class.

Costs: In addition to the course registration fee, students should budget for food expenses on the Merritt field exercises.

Be aware that during the field trip there will be periods of strenuous hiking, walking close to cliffs, and crossing roads with busy traffic.  Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.  Further details regarding safety, food, camping and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip.  An Acknowledgement of Risk form will need to be signed at the first lecture.

Supplementary fee will be $220.82

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Geological Field Techniques; Angela L. Coe, first edition 2010; Wiley Blackwell 

NOTE: For students intending to take EASC 306, the same textbook is “recommended reading.”
ISBN: 978-1-4443-3062-5

RECOMMENDED READING:

None, but students may need to refer to their first-year EASC course notes and books.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html