Applied Digital Geosciences

 

The Applied Digital Geosciences course teaches students applied digital field methods. Students develop research strategies, collect remote field observations, compile unit descriptions, measure stratigraphic sections, evaluate and interpret uncertainty in data, construct geologic maps and cross sections, and interpret natural hazard maps. The course uses digital topographic overlays in Google Earth and remote data imported into ArcGIS. Designed to prepare students for successful careers in the geosciences.

Students can enroll in the Applied Digital Geosciences course twice, for a total of 6 credits. Content will alternate every other year, covering different material each year.

Course Information

What is a digital capstone?

Modern geology careers require a working knowledge of digital technology and techniques, from pre-fieldwork planning to digital data collection to mapping in GIS programs. These skills are typically not the focus of a field-based geology field camp. This course in applied digital field methods provides students with opportunities to develop important skills and expertise in these techniques. This course is among the first ADA accessible geoscience capstones in the US, and provides a capstone experience for both students requiring accommodations and non-traditional geology students. This course also provides valuable expertise for traditional geology students seeking additional coursework. 

Course Description

In this virtual course involving applied digital field methods students develop research strategies, collect remote field observations, compile unit descriptions, measure stratigraphic sections, evaluate and interpret uncertainty in data, construct geologic maps and cross sections, and interpret natural hazard maps. Our main data are digital topographic overlays in Google Earth and remote data imported into GIS. We emphasize scientific methodology and traditional techniques that provide a strong foundation for the broad range of modern technologies used by today’s industry, academic, government and private workforces. This 8-week capstone course is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the geosciences.

Digital Camp FAQ

  • Check out our enrollment instructions on the enrollment information page

  • The 2024 Digital Capstone will run for 8 weeks, from June 10 through August 1st.

    Students may opt to complete the course in 4 weeks instead, with instructor consent.

  • The course is asynchronous, to allow students with a variety of schedules and obligations to complete coursework. Students have mandatory weekly meetings with an instructor, at a time of their choosing.

  • Yes, but you will have to take the course as the 8-week version in order to have enough time to complete the modules.

  • No. While some of the learning goals are the same as the field course, this Digital Capstone has been designed to be an entirely new course that gives students valuable digital skills.

  • There are many reasons why you might take this course. The main reason that you *should* take this course is to gain technical skills that will be invaluable to a professional career in geology. Facility with google earth (free) and ESRI’s ArcGIS (not free, but used by many organizations) to prepare for field excursions or report data and results is increasingly important.

  • Absolutely! This course teaches different skills that are valuable to the professional geologist, and will supplement your other coursework.

  • Yes, you can. Please email one of our directors to make sure you have sufficient background to succeed in this course.

  • Please contact Dr Nooreen Meghani at nooreen2@illinois.edu with questions about the course.