Short course
Geology in the Field
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
11/05/2027 - 15/06/202710:30 - 12:30
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
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).
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Tuesday 11 May 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford and at field locations on Tuesdays.
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.
Week 1: 10.30am-12.30pm at Ewert House: Introduction to the course.
Geology of Oxfordshire and nearby counties. Preparation for studying rocks in the field.
For the next four weeks, we meet at field locations to be advised. Provisional schedule below (depending on conditions and permissions at the time)
Week 2: 10.00am start Geology in Oxfordshire
Week 3: 10.00am start Geology in Gloucestershire or other neighbouring counties
Week 4: 10.00am start Exploring younger rock formations
Week 5: 10.00am start Exploring older rock formations
Week 6: 10.30am-12.30pm at Ewert House: Review and discussion of week 2-5 fieldwork
Please note: students will have to arrange their own transport for the field trip, and cover the cost of any entry fees.
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.
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.
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.
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, ie first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.
Teaching methods
After an introductory session at Ewert House, teaching and learning will take place at field locations. We will examine rock outcrops and topography associated with particular rock types. 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.
Assessment methods
Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation, in advance of the course start date, can submit coursework/assignments for assessment.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on submission of an original field notebook from the course field trips, or a report on the fieldwork we have undertaken, comprising 1,500 words. A preliminary report of 500 words may be submitted any time before the last class session, but this does not count towards your final assessment. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
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.
Academic credit
Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS Points)
Please note, students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you wish to gain credit from completing this course you must register to do so before the course starts.
Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.
Learn more about the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme.
If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee for assessment and accreditation.
Digital certificate of completion
Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the 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 attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee (with no assessment) | £315.00 |
| Assessment and Accreditation fee | £60.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, 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
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- How to read the landscape. / Yarham R
Module code: O26P517GEW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.
How to register for accreditation and assessment
To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for this course, if you wish to do so, you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.
Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.
If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education at the Department you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.