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    Overview

    Completion of an independent geoscience research project

    This paper allows students to develop their ability to work independently on a research project. A range of geological and transferable skills may be advanced, depending on the chosen project.
    All students gain experience in literature research and report writing.
    GEOL302 (or GEOL304) is a required paper for the BSc degree in Geology.

    About this paper

    Paper title Independent Project
    Subject Geology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    72 200-level points from Science Schedule C including GEOL 251 and GEOL 252
    Pre or Corequisite
    GEOL 344
    Restriction
    GEOL 304
    Schedule C
    Science
    Notes
    (i) Students enrolled at the University of Otago for both semesters in a single year must enrol in GEOL 302 instead of GEOL 304. (ii)Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time.
    Contact

    geology@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-ordinator: Professor James White;  james.white@otago.ac.nz 
    All Geology staff are supervisors.

    Paper Structure

    Students choose a research project in consultation with a staff member who has agreed to supervise them. The supervisor helps design the project, suggests appropriate background readings and methodologies, is available for consultation on field and laboratory work, and offers guidance on a first draft of the written report.
    Assessment is 100% internal. There is no final exam. The final research project and associated work are assessed.

    Teaching Arrangements
    Some formal meetings will be scheduled around Health and Safety and other logistics. Students conduct their own independent fieldwork.
    Textbooks

    Recommended:

    • Edbrooke, S.W.; Heron, D.W.; Forsyth, P.J.; Jongens, R. (compilers) 2015 Geological map of New Zealand 1:1 000 000. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science geological map 2 2 maps (also available as a free web map service at http://data.gns.cri.nz/geology/)
    • Coe, A. (ed.); 2010. Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell
    • Fry, N. The Field Description of Metamorphic Rocks. Wiley.
    • Jerram, D. & Petford, N. The Field Description of Igneous Rocks. Wiley.
    • Lisle, R., Brabham, P & Barnes, J. Basic Geological Mapping. Wiley.
    • McClay, K. Mapping of Geological Structures, Wiley.
    • Tucker, M.E. Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Practical Guide. Wiley.
    Course outline

    View the GEOL 302 handbook (latest handbook indicative of content next time the paper is taught)

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    This paper is intended to develop a range of geological skills, including some of stratigraphy, mapping, structural geometry, facies analysis, petrography and library research. The report resulting from the independent project develops abilities in written communication and geological interpretation.

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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