Tom A. Thorson Geology Summer Field Camp

Supporting agencies: Wyoming Geological Association 

Course Number: GE 4717
6 Credit Hours
Early Summer Session

Dates:  May 13–June 22, 2024 (six weeks).

Field Course in Geology Course Description

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

The course in 2024 will consist of field trips and projects in four sections, to include -

4717-01 – Introductory Field Techniques (camping, CA and NV); May 14- May 31; Dr. Barbara John (3 credits)

4717-02 – Sedimentation and Tectonics (camping, WY); June 3-8; Dr. Madeline Lewis (1 credit)

4717-04 - Near-surface Geophysics (Laramie, WY), June 10-14 (Laramie-based); Dr Brad. Carr (1 credit)

4717-03 – Igneous processes in the field (camping, CO); June 16-22; Dr. Ken Sims (1 credit)

 

Cost: UW students –

Tuition and fees for 2024 are $3184 (include tuition: $166/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $996; summer Fees: $201.34 (flat rate) + $31.13/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $388.12, and the field camp course fee = $300/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $1800).

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.

Cost: Non-UW students –

Tuition and fees for 2024 are $6340 (include tuition: $692/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $4152; summer fees: $201.34 (flat rate) + $31.13/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $388.12, and the field camp course fee = $300/credit hour * 6 credit hours = $1800). Once a student applies and is accepted into the course, a $50 ‘UW application fee’ will be assessed.

All sections start and end in Laramie, WY. Non-UW students are responsible for their travel costs to/from Laramie, and meals/lodging in Laramie (see schedule above). Housing while in Laramie can be available in UW dorm rooms (single or double) for an additional cost (TBA).

All students are welcome to apply to participate in the course (non-UW student application)

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)

Financial Aid:

To receive financial aid from the University of Wyoming, students must be enrolled as degree-seeking students at UW. All students are encouraged to START EARLY (January) in their search for financial aid.

For UW students - to apply for Thorson Summer Field Camp Scholarship/Financial Assistance please complete the Geology and Geophysics Summer Application at All Opportunities - WyoScholarships (academicworks.com) starting Feb. 20, 2024.

In addition, there are a number of non-UW field camp scholarship and award opportunities available to support your studies associated with UW Geology 4717. Be sure to review each website for application information and deadlines.

Download the Field Camp Forms here.

Note: To apply for some of the scholarships listed, membership in the association or society is required.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant – due March 31, 2024: L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant (aapg.org)

American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) - due February 1, 2024: Undergraduate Scholarship (aipg.org)

Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG): Scholarships and Awards (awg.org) (search Laramide Chapter)

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT): Scholarships for Field Study – due early Feb each year: Scholarships for Field Study (nagt.org)

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) 399-9338
E-mail: bjohn@uwyo.edu