Introduction to Field Methods 313
Instructor: Paul McBurnett
Email: paul.mcburnett@gmail.com
Office Phone: (818)677-2511
Office Hours: Live Oak 1214 Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:00 am or by appointment
Class Meeting: Friday 11:00am-1:45pm
Room: Live Oak 1212
Required Text: Geology in the field by Robert R. Compton, 1985
Course Objectives: This course is designed to teach you the basics in geologic mapping and field observations.
Primarily we will focus on:
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Making field observations
Collecting geologic data
Interpreting field relationships
Use of a Brunton Compass
Orientation and location using topographic maps
Basic mapping techniques
Constructing a formal written report
Dangers in Field Courses: There are inherent dangers on any trip taken in field courses. These dangers, however,
cannot be avoided and will always be present in any field work you may do. As all dangers go, learning how to
manage the risk is key. Dangers that may be present, but not limited to, sunburn, dehydration, bug bites, snake bites,
hypothermia, poison oak, heat exhaustion/stroke, broken bones, sprains, cuts and bruises, and Giardia Lamblia to
name a few. There is also a possibility to being hit by falling rocks or get struck by lightning. No significant mishap
has occurred to CSUN students, but that in no way implies that it cannot. If you are afraid of any of the above, to the
extent that this course does not seem feasible, it is highly suggested that you rethink your major and/or university.
Course Load: Field courses are very challenging. It requires a significant amount of effort in order to master the
material. Be prepared to spend more than the allotted 4 hours of study outside of the classroom environment to do
well in the course. You will need to read the course material and spend a good amount of time reviewing and
editing, and having classmates check your work. I fully expect punctual attendance, participation, and mental
engagement in the lectures. Learning the concepts in this course will need to be directly applied to field studies.
Simply memorizing most this material will not substitute for correct application of use.
Homework: Most lab assignments will take you longer than the time allotted during class. Assignments will
generally be due the following week at the beginning of the class. Make sure you name is clearly labeled on each
page of your lab assignments and reports. Strive for clear and concise reports and answers. Make sure you show all
your work where applicable.
Late Work: No late work will be accepted barring documentable excused absenses (jury summons etc.). Partially
complete lab assignments will receive partial credit.
Field Trips: I expect all students to be on time for class meetings and to leave for field trips. All students are
expected to contribute to loading the vans, packing, cleaning, and cooking. If something needs done, do it. Take the
initiative and do not wait for someone else to fulfill the role. We will facilitate cooking and cleaning with groups to
assist with organizing of a clean camp. No littering will be tolerated, nor will any interaction with wildlife.
Time factor is imperative in the field. We will leave camp each day at 8am sharp and return around 5pm.
Rendezvous points may be used, make sure you show up to them at the proper time when assigned. A good watch
may be needed as your phone may die and cannot fully be relied upon in the field.
No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. It should go without saying that any illegal substances are also not
allowed. Field work is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging. Adding any mind-altering substance to
field work greatly detracts from what you will learn and absorb in this course and increases the risk of emergency
situations, of which I have been a witness to on many occasions. We will be running a clean ship.
Do not damage outcrops an any way or collect/move/disrupt and geology if it can be avoided.
Smoking tobacco is allowed, but take care to not start brush fires, keep your smoke upwind of the class, and dispose
of your butts in a acceptable fashion.
Discuss with me any food allergies or dietary restrictions, in private if necessary.
If you have any medical conditions that may prevent you from performing the hiking/climbing necessary to
complete this course, make sure to discuss with me.
Completed Field Work: Will be collected every night to check your progress. You will need to spend significant
time during the evening marking your map with that days data collection.
Class/Field Attendance: Is mandatory. We only meet once a week to prep for weekend field trips. Missing any
course will immediately put you at risk of failing the course. All field trips are mandatory. If we cannot go into the
field due to weather, it will be rescheduled. Keep your weekend schedule open and flexible.
Grade Assessment: Your grade will be based on your geologic field notebook, field and laboratory quizzes,
laboratory assignments, unannounced filed quizzes, geologic field maps, field reports, punctuality, and
field/classroom participation. Plus/minus system will be used. If on a cusp, your participation will be examined to
consider moving your grade up. No curve will be used. No incomplete grades will be allowed.
A = 93-100
C = 73-76
A- = 90-92
C- = 70-72
B+ = 87-89
D+ = 67-69
B = 83-86
D = 63-66
EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIELD
Geologic Equipment
 Map board
 Binder clips/rubber bands for field notebook and map board
 Hammer
 Brunton compass (check out from Tech. Office)
 Hand lens
 Field notebook(s) (purchase in Dept. Office)
 Field map(s) (provided)
 Covered clipboard or case for field map
 Acid bottle (optional)
 Pencils – 2H, 4H (2 each)
 Ball point pens (2)
 Colored pens—red, black, blue, green fine point
 Colored pencils
 Eraser
 Safety pin, dissecting needle or hat pin (2)
 Marking pen (Sharpie)
 Protractor or Zip-A-Dip (purchase in Dept. Office)
 Ruler
 Masking tape (optional)
 Compton’s GEOLOGY IN THE FIELD
 Field pouch
 Field belt
B- = 80-82
D- = 60-62
C+ = 77-79
F = < 60
Clothing and accessories
 Long pants
 Long-sleeved shirts
 Extra socks
 Warm coat or sweater
 Boots (water proofing recommended)
 Hat (wide brim recommended)
 Work gloves (optional)
 Rainsuit or poncho
 Water bottles, 2-liter capacity minimum
 Map case or vest with pockets
 Day pack large enough for lunch, samples, and cold/rainy weather gear
Miscellaneous items
 Toilet paper
 Sunscreen
 Camera and film
 First aid kit
 Chapstick
 Insect repellent
 Fine-tooth comb and/or tweezers (for pulling cactus spines out!)
Overnight equipment
We will be camping in a fairly primitive fashion; there will not be running water or flush toilets.
 Tent with rainfly
 Sleeping bag
 Sleeping pad
 Therma-rest/Crazy Creek camp chair
 Food and water
 Head lamp
SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FIELD
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Work with a field partner
Wear suitable field attire
Carry rain gear, first aid, etc. in your daypack
Drink plenty of water (plan on carrying at least two liters/day, more on days with temps above 85 F)
Work at a pace suited to your fitness level, not beyond
Exercise caution on steep slopes, especially when others are working downhill from you
Use protective eyewear when hammering on the outcrop
Exercise caution when hammering on the outcrop near others
Move to lower ground during a thunderstorm; stay out of narrow dry washes
Jan. 29th
Feb. 5th
Feb. 12th
Feb. 19
Feb. 26
March 4-6th
March 11th
March 18th
March 25th
Class Schedule
Introduction to fieldwork, Introduction to the Brunton compass and orientation measurements
Topographic maps, geologic field notes, walking-off distances, Brunton compass cont.
Topography and geologic field notes, rule of V's
Preparing geologic cross-sections
Basic geologic mapping, geologic structures
Field Trip
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Spring Break
April 1st
April 8-10th
April 15th
April 22nd
April 29th
May 6th
May 13th
May 16th
Preparing a geologic report
Field Trip
Working on geologic report
Geologic report revisions
Geologic report revisions
Geologic report revisions
Geologic report revisions
Final Draft of Geologic Report Due By 5pm No Exeptions
*This syllabus is tentative and may be updated. You will be notified of any changes in person/email or I will provide
you a new copy.