Tom A. Thorson Geology Field Camp

Supporting agencies: Wyoming Geological Association 

Course Number: GE 4717
6 Credit Hours
Early Summer Session

Reviews field observation of geologic phenomena, methods of geologic mapping geologic and geophysical field studies, interpretation of data collected, and presentation.

As you are all aware, the COVID pandemic continues to shift, making long-term teaching plans challenging. However, GEOL 4717 will be taught summer 2023 (May 16-June 25, 2023). We need to watch and be aware of how this proceeds knowing that many options exist, but hope to offer the course face-to-face, in the field for UW students.

Depending on COVID requirements, the course consists of field trips and projects in four sections.  If face-to-face these will include –

4717-01 – Introductory Field Techniques and Igneous Mapping, May 16-May 27 (camping, CO and NM) - Sims (2 credits)

4717-02 – Tectonics and Sedimentation, May 30-June 4 (camping, WY) – Jackson (1 credit)

4717-04 - Near-surface Geophysics (Laramie Range/Vedavoo area), June 20-24 (Laramie-based) - Carr (1 credit)

4717-03 – Structural Geology and Petrology, June 6-19 (camping, Eastern CA, NV) - John (2 credits)

Field Course in Geology Course Description

Dates:  May 16–June 25, 2023 (six weeks).

Cost:  Tuition and fees for 2023 are to be decided, but will be available in May, based on mode of delivery (face-to-face, virtual or semi-virtual). A field course fee for face-to-face instruction is $1800.00 for all four sections (6 credits); additional mandatory university fees will be accessed based on the number of enrolled credit hours. The field course fee covers transportation during fieldwork, course supplies, some instructional costs, meals, and lodging while away from Laramie.  While in Laramie or working from Laramie, meals (including lunch) and lodging are not covered.

*Note: The University of Wyoming offers this course to UW students, both residents and non-resident students at resident tuition rates.

Recommended Texts (not required):

Geology in the Field, by Robert R. Compton
Dictionary of Geological Terms, by Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson, eds.

Prerequisites: 

Each student must pass the following courses with a grade of C or higher to be eligible to participate

• Stratigraphy and sedimentation (required)
• Structural geology (required)
• Mineralogy (required)
• Petrology (recommended)

Petrology is also recommended

Financial Aid:

In order to receive financial aid from UW, students must be enrolled as degree-seeking students at the University of Wyoming. It is possible to enroll as a degree-seeking student for the summer, but the process takes several months. Students are encouraged to START EARLY (January) in their search for financial aid. Other sources may include: NAGT, the National Association of Geology Teachers, which annually awards scholarships to students who are attending a recognized field course. Information and application forms can be found at the NAGT website.

To apply for Summer Field Camp Scholarship/Financial Assistance please complete the Geology and Geophysics Summer Application at uwyo.academicworks.com.

Contact or send applications to:

Dr. Barbara John
Department of Geology and Geophysics
University of Wyoming, Dept. 3006
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 233-1951
E-mail: bjohn@uwyo.edu