Learning Objectives 

By the end of a capstone field experience, students should be able to: 

1. Design a field strategy to collect or select data in order to answer a geologic question. 

2. Collect accurate and sufficient data on field relationships and record these using disciplinary conventions (field notes, map symbols, etc.). 

3. Synthesize geologic data and integrate with core concepts and skills into a cohesive spatial and temporal scientific interpretation. 

4. Interpret earth systems and past/current/future processes using multiple lines of spatially distributed evidence. 

5. Develop an argument that is consistent with available evidence and uncertainty. 6. Communicate clearly using written, verbal, and/or visual media (e.g., maps, cross sections, reports) with discipline-specific terminology appropriate to your audience. 

7. Work effectively independently and collaboratively (e.g., commitment, reliability, leadership, open for advice, channels of communication, supportive, inclusive). 

8. Reflect on personal strengths and challenges (e.g. in study design, safety, time management, independent and collaborative work). 

9. Demonstrate behaviors expected of professional geoscientists (e.g., time management, work preparation, collegiality, health and safety, ethics). 

10. Develop a Field Site safety plan for a field excursion.

11. Map geologic contacts and orientations from remotely-sensed field data and topography in Google Earth and ArcGIS including Quaternary landforms. 

12. Produce digital geologic maps using industry standard GIS software.

13. Create topographic hill-shade and contour maps in GIS.

Schedule

Class runs from June 10 - August 1 2024 (Summer Session 2, 8 weeks). All course materials, assignments, and lectures are available on the course LMS website, and students may proceed through the course at their own pace. Students will meet at least weekly with an instructor.

Staff will be available for questions and assistance during hours that students indicate they will most likely be working on the course (see pre-course survey on the enrollment page). Office hours are always available by appointment.

Technical Specs for Success

The digital capstone introduces students to computer programs and techniques that are common in geology careers. You will need to have a computer capable of running either these programs or connecting to a remote server where a virtual desktop with these programs will run. Your computer will need to be able to run multiple programs at once. In addition, students will need access to reliable internet capable of maintaining a video call. Students will require a document processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) for writing reports, and a pdf reader (Adobe) for opening assignments.