Accessibility Skip to Global Navigation Skip to Local Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Search Skip to Site Map Menu

GEOL302 Independent Project

Notices

^ Top of page

Details

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. This paper is a prerequisite for the BSc(Hons) degree in Geology.

Paper title Independent Project
Paper code GEOL302
Subject Geology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Full Year (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

^ Top of page

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: Dr Steven Smith
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.

^ Top of page

Timetable

Full Year

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