Field Experience
Undergradute field geology experience can be achieved by involving in field research work mentored by a Geological Sciences faculty member, and/or by enrolling in Introduction to Field Techniques (GEOL 380) course, which is required for Geological Sciences - Geology track but could be elective for Geological Sciences - Environmental Earth Science track and/or enrolling in GEOL 455 Field Geology course. GEOL 455 could be elective for both tracks.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/field1.jpg)
Techniques of geological field work. Topics include sampling, rock identification and description, field notes, and the transition from field to laboratory analysis.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/groupp.jpg)
Involve sedimentary rock structures and depositional history to gather field experience.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/student-field2.jpg)
Techniques of sampling, rock identification and deformation, field notes, and deformation history of geologic structures.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/student-fieldgroup3.jpg)
Involve with a faculty member in funded or non-funded research related to fieldwork to gather field experience.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/sed.jpg)
Geological field experiences in different settings and locations, designed to teach the hands-on methods of fieldwork and data collection, geologic maps & sections.
![Students in Field](/geology/new-pictures/geologyfield.jpg)
A week-long fieldwork at remote locations of the Mojave Desert and Death Valley, California, led by a faculty member as part of the Field Geology course.
Many of the external field sites below offer 3 and 6 credit hours that are transferable to WKU's GEOG 452 course. In order to get credit for a field course from another institution, you would need to transfer your academic transcripts to WKU. If you have any questions about the field course, please contact the field course professor/director directly.
Not all field experiences are acceptable. Double check with your advisor to verify that a particular field course will be transferable to WKU.
For your major at WKU, you will need to select a single 6 hour field experience, or a take GEOL 380 plus a 3 credit hour field experience.
Due dates are early, usually first come - first serve.
- Geology.com - has a huge list of possible field camps. Check out the locations and prices.
- Illinois State University - north, northwest USA
- Black Hills Field Camps 2015 - looking for a diverse geology experience? 3 and 6 hour options
- Andes Field Work - Run through Cornell University
- Ireland Field Camp - petroleum geology, hydrology, glacial geology, structure/sed/strat/petro
- University of Arizona - 6 credit hours in the southwest
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.