Field Camp

Two students survey a compass at Field Camp.

Developing Skills Through Field Experiences

Experiential learning is at the core of your education at UTA and we invite you to go beyond your classroom experiences, into the research lab, or into the field through one of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Field Camp experiences.

Our Field Camps help future Maverick geologists and environmental scientists to develop essential skills in observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation while deepening their understanding of fundamental scientific principles. In short, we transform textbook knowledge into hands-on experience by applying science in the real world. Consider joining us for one of the Field Camps below.

Geology Field Camp

Dates: May 11 - June 10, 2026 | Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 The camp will be in the DFW area from May 11-20 and in Las Vegas, New Mexico from May 21-June 10.


GENERAL INFORMATION

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UT Arlington offers Geology Field Camp through enrollment in two courses - GEOL 3387 (Field Geology I) and GEOL 3388 (Field Geology II). Students will have the opportunity for in-field data collection and application on numerous projects focusing on lake geochemistry, hydrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, and geologic mapping.

For general questions regarding Geology Field Camp, please contact Dr. Majie Fan (EES associate chair) at mfan@uta.edu.

 

COST

Fees (for transportation, room and board, and supplies) for GEOL 3387 are $940 and for GEOL 3388 are $940, for a total of $1,880 for both courses.

Transportation for trips from the UTA campus and to New Mexico will be provided by university vehicles. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from campus during the first week of field camp prior to leaving for New Mexico. Students are also responsible for their own food for the duration of the camp.

Tuition (Texas Resident): see UTA Tuition

Tuition (Out-of-State Resident): see UTA Tuition

 

PREREQUISITES

Mineralogy, Structural Geology, Sedimentology/Stratigraphy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

 

METHODS

Students will use compasses, GPS receivers, and laptop computers. Field data are analyzed and displayed using either hand mapping techniques, open-source software, or programs that will be provided on campus.

 

  • Required software includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe reader.

  • Free, open-source software may be required to be downloaded onto student’s computer in order to complete certain projects.

  • On-campus software installed on university computers might be required to complete certain projects.

 

FIELD CAMP SCHEDULE

The schedule below is a general outline for Field Camp 2026. Exact dates for individual assignments or site visits are TBA.

 

First Day - Monday, May 11

8:00 – 8:30 am: General introduction and overview, grading policies, syllabi, and schedule for the GEOL and ENVR field camp (20 minutes) and field camp safety (10 minutes)

8:30 – 9:00 am: Title IX Overview

9:00 – 9:30 am: Introduction of Lake Research Project (Dr. Winguth)

9:30 am: Board van to first field site

 

Tuesday, May 12 – Wednesday, May 13

Project: Physical limnology and geochemistry of lakes (Dr. Winguth)

 

Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16

Project: Hydrology (Dr. Sanchez-Murillo)

 

Sunday, May 17 – Wednesday, May 20

Project: Sedimentology and Basin Analysis (Dr. Fan)

 

Thursday, May 21

Travel to Las Vegas, New Mexico - Time and place to meet and packs the vans TBA

 

Friday, May 22 – Tuesday, May 26

Projects: Geologic Mapping – Las Vegas, NM (Dr. Brown)

 

Wednesday, May 27

Weather day

Thursday, May 28 – Tuesday, June 9

Projects: Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology, Structural Geology, Geologic Mapping – Northern New Mexico region (instructor TBA)

 

Wednesday, June 10

Return to Arlington, TX

 

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The University provides special items and materials needed to carry out individual projects (GPS receivers, compasses, helmets, safety goggles, communicators, and maps).

The following list includes items that you will need but are not provided by the University. This list will continue to be updated through April 2026:

 

  • Laptop with Word, Excel, and Adobe reader

  • USB drive for storage

  • Stout footwear; at the least, light boots with strong soles

  • Belt for field equipment

  • Long pants for protection against brush

  • Rain poncho

  • Water container(s): (2 liters recommended)

  • Dark glasses with UV protection (avoid eye damage)

  • Day pack

  • Field medical kit (minimum: Band-Aids, Neosporin, and aspirin)

  • Sun protection: Sunscreen 15 SPF or greater, hat, and shirt

  • Field note-taking equipment: clipboard for field maps, engineer field notebook (5 "x 7.5"), pencils (#2 or #3), and something to sharpen them with, eraser

  • Ruler, protractor, triangle, colored pencils

  • Calculator

  • A hand lens and a rock hammer (with a pointed tip and a chisel-like end for splitting rocks)

  • Optional: Camera and binoculars

 

Prohibited equipment: Firearms and other weapons

 

GENERAL POLICIES

• Field Camp is a full-time academic commitment. Students should not make other personal, academic, or employment plans during the Field Camp period. Participants are expected to be fully engaged in field, laboratory, and evening activities every day, as the schedule often extends beyond standard business hours. The immersive nature of Field Camp is essential to meeting learning objectives and ensuring a safe, cohesive field experience.
 

• Please read and sign the EES Field Camp Policy as part of the application. The document contains details including 1) Weather and Terrain, 2) Health & Safety, and 3) Professionalism.

 

Environmental Science Field Camp

Dates: May 11 - May 22, 2026 | Application Deadline: February 13, 2026


GENERAL INFORMATION

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UT Arlington offers Environmental Science Field Camp through enrollment in one course - ENVR 3387 (Environmental Field Methods). Students will have the opportunity for in-field data collection and application on projects focusing on lake geochemistry, limnology, hydrology, environmental chemistry, and environmental health.

 

For general questions regarding Environmental Science Field Camp, please contact Dr. Majie Fan (Associate Chair) at mfan@uta.edu.

 

Cost

Tuition and field camp fee (for transportation and supplies) for ENVR 3387. See the links below for tuition information. Field camp fees are $586.

Transportation for trips from the UTA campus will be provided by university vehicles. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from campus during the field course.

Tuition (Texas Resident): see UTA Tuition

Tuition (Out-of-State Resident): see UTA Tuition

 

Prerequisites

CHEM 1442

 

Methods

Students will use various types of water testing equipment, such as pH meters and chemical test kits, to collect field data. Field data are analyzed and displayed using either hand drawn techniques, open-source software, or programs that will be provided on campus.

  • Required software includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe reader.

  • Free, open-source software may be required to be downloaded onto student’s computer in order to complete certain projects.

  • On-campus software installed on university computers might be required to complete certain projects.

FIELD CAMP SCHEDULE

The schedule below is a general outline for Environmental Science Field Camp Summer 2026. Exact dates for individual assignments or site visits are TBA.

 

First Day - Monday, May 11
8:00 – 8:30 am: General introduction and overview, grading policies, and syllabi, and schedule for the GEOL and ENVR field camp (20 minutes) and field camp safety (10 minutes)
8:30 – 9:00 am: Title IX Overview
9:00 – 9:30 am: Introduction of Lake Research Project (Dr. Winguth)
9:30 am: Board van to first field site

 

Tuesday, May 12 – Wednesday, May 13
Project: Physical Limnology and Geochemistry of Lakes (Dr. Winguth)

 

Thursday, May 14 – Saturday, May 16
Project: Hydrology (Dr. Sanchez-Murillo)

 

Sunday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 19
Project: Soil Contamination (Dr. Hunt)

 

Wednesday, May 20 – Friday, May 22
 Project: Environmental Geochemistry (Dr. Kim)

 

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The University provides special items and materials needed to carry out individual projects.

 

The following list includes items that you will need but are not provided by the University. This list will continue to be updated through April 2026:

  • Computer access with Word, Excel, and Adobe reader, as well as one of the following illustration programs: Paint, Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator, for completion of assignments/reports.

  • USB drive for storage

  • Rain poncho

  • Water container(s): (2 liters recommended)

  • Dark glasses with UV protection (avoid eye damage)

  • Day pack

  • Field medical kit (minimum: Band-Aids, Neosporin, and aspirin)

  • Sun protection: Sunscreen 15 SPF or greater, hat, and shirt

  • Field note-taking equipment: clipboard for field maps, engineer field notebook (5 "x 7.5"), pencils (#2 or #3), and something to sharpen them with, eraser

  • Calculator

Prohibited equipment: Firearms and other weapons

 

GENERAL POLICIES

  1. Field Camp is a full-time academic commitment. Students should not make other personal, academic, or employment plans during the Field Camp period. Participants are expected to be fully engaged in field, laboratory, and evening activities every day, as the schedule often extends beyond standard business hours. The immersive nature of Field Camp is essential to meeting learning objectives and ensuring a safe, cohesive field experience.

  2. Policies on alcohol and other drugs affecting judgment and physical performance: No alcohol is to be consumed in any field camp vehicle, or during class hours. No alcohol is permitted in a University operated vehicle.

  1. Possession or consumption of illegal drugs is not permitted under any circumstances.

  1. Obnoxious, harassing, or abusive behavior, whether or not produced by drugs or alcohol, will not be tolerated. People involved may be expelled. Harassment consists of physical and verbal behavior that is unwanted by anyone receiving it after that person has told the perpetrator to stop. Harassment can lead to dismissal from the course.

  1. Any threat of bodily harm, explicit or implied, can be considered an assault and can lead to dismissal from the course.

Helpful Links for Undergraduate Students