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 Science geologist to develop observational, data collection, analytical, and interpretation skills as well as an understanding in the fundamentals and basics of geology. In short, we're taking your book knowledge and applying it or observing it in the real world. Consider joining us for one of the Field Camps below.

Geology Field Camp

Dates: May 15 - June 14, 2023 | Application Deadline: May 1, 2023


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, sedimentology, stratigraphy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and geologic mapping.

For general questions regarding Geology Field Camp 2023, please contact Dr. Jenny Rashall (Field Camp Coordinator) at jenny.rashall@uta.edu.

 

COST

Fees (for transportation, room and board, and supplies) for GEOL 3387 are $950 and for GEOL 3388 are $950, for a total of $1900 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.

 

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 2023. Exact dates for individual assignments or site visits are TBA.

 

First Day - Monday, May 15

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

4:30 pm: Return to campus and discuss results

 

Tuesday, May 16 – Friday, May 19

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

 

Saturday, May 20

No class meeting, work on assignments and pack for New Mexico

 

Sunday, May 21

Travel to Las Vegas, NM – Time and place to meet and pack the vans TBA

 

Monday, May 22 – Wednesday, May 24

Projects: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of the Taos Trough (Dr. Fan)

 

Thursday, May 25 – Saturday, May 27

Projects: Structural Geology of the Las Vegas, NM area (Dr. Fan)

 

Sunday, May 28 – Friday, June 2

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

 

Saturday, June 3 – Tuesday, June 12

Projects: Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology, Geologic Mapping – Northern New Mexico region (Dr. Korchinski)

 

Wednesday, June 14

Return to Arlington, TX

 

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The University provides special items and materials needed to carry out individual projects (GPS receivers, compasses, 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 2023:

 
  • Laptop with Word, Excel, and Adobe reader, as well as one of the following illustration programs: Paint, Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator

  • 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

  • Optional: Camera and binoculars

 

Prohibited equipment: Firearms and other weapons

 

GENERAL POLICIES

Geology Field Camp 2023 will run from Monday, May 15 through Wednesday, June 14. You should make no other plans during this period as you will be working every day.

  1. 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.

 

 

WEATHER

Weather will vary from hot and dry (in the low 90's) to mild and raining. Shorts are fine along roadcuts or on campus but wear long pants and sleeves when mapping to avoid cuts by brush. Choose your clothing with care and remember that the more comfortable you are in the field, the less distracted you will be from your work.

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Everyone can stay safe if they are aware of dangers and take precautions. In the field, we have hand communicators and work in teams so there is someone nearby if you get into trouble. The following are the primary dangers in the field:

 

Falling
Most minor injuries come from slipping and falling in the field. There are no trails, and loose rocks and steep hillsides are common. Always walk slowly and look before you step. Keep away from cliff edges which may give way. Please get in shape before you come; take a strength or aerobics class.

Road cuts
Some projects are on road cuts. Instructors put out cones to warn drivers but stay off the pavement and avoid death or injury from a distracted driver. Students are required to wear orange construction worker vests.

Dehydration and heat exhaustion
We will be working outside and in extreme heat on some field days. Before setting out, drink as much water as you can and carry at least two liters of water with you. Move slowly and steadily. If you do get overheated and/or dizzy, find shade, drink water, and rest a while.

Potable water
Don't drink from streams, pools etc. All can have nasty pathogens and parasites.

Nasty little critters
Ticks, mosquitoes, and gnats are rare, but a horse fly may bite you. Ticks are dangerous as a carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fever is the main symptom, so see a doctor if you have an elevated temperature. Lyme disease is possible. Ticks will crawl around on you for some time before sucking, and it is sufficient to check yourself at the end of the day.

Nasty plants
Scrub Oak, brush and cactus can cut and puncture your legs if you don't wear long clothing that covers your limbs. Poison Oak and Ivy occur in damp, shady canyons.

Lightning and hail
Afternoon thundershowers (with hail) may occur. If you hear or see an approaching storm, leave high ground IMMEDIATELY. Large hail stones can injure you, so use your backpack or clipboard to protect your head if necessary.

Environmental Science Field Camp

Dates: May 15 - June 14, 2023 | Application Deadline: May 1, 2023


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, environmental chemistry, and environmental health.

 

For general questions regarding Environmental Science Field Camp 2023, please contact Dr. Jenny Rashall (Field Camp Coordinator) at jenny.rashall@uta.edu.

 

Cost

Tuition and field camp fee (for transportation and supplies) for ENVR 3387. Tuition see link below. 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 2023. Exact dates for individual assignments or site visits are TBA.

 

First Day - Monday, May 15
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
4:30 pm: Return to campus and discuss results

 

Tuesday, May 16 – Thursday, May 18
Project: Physical limnology and geochemistry of lakes (Dr. Winguth)

 

Friday, May 19; Monday-Wednesday, May 22-24
Project: Hydrology (Dr. Sanchez-Murillo)

 

Thursday-Friday, May 25-26; Tuesday-Wednesday, May 30-31
Project: Environmental Geochemistry (Dr. Un-Jung 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 2023:

  • 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

Environmental Science Field Camp 2023 will run from Monday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 31. You should make no other plans during this period as you will be working every weekday, with the exception of Memorial Day (May 29).

  1. 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.