Program Overview

Introduction to Geology Field Camp

The University of Kansas Geology Field Camp, also known as "Field Camp," is designed to teach students to understand exposures of rock that are larger than hand specimens and smaller than mountain ranges. The curriculum focuses on giving students hands-on experience in structural mapping, stratigraphy, and metamorphic and intrusive relations.

Program Details

• The program is divided into two courses: Geology 560 on basic field geology and Geology 561 with more advanced projects.
• Each course carries 3 hours of credit from the University of Kansas.
• An enrollment of approximately 22 students is anticipated.
• The camp starts with projects in the Capitol Reef area of central Utah for the first two weeks, followed by the remainder of the first course and all of the second course at the KU Field camp near Cañon City, Colorado.

Course Structure

• The six-week, six-hour sequence of courses will begin on May 24, 2025, with the drive from Lawrence to Cañon City, CO, and then to Utah.
• The camp will end by July 5, 2025, or perhaps earlier with the return trip.
• Students who wish may find their own transportation to and from camp.

Tuition and Fees

• In-state tuition in 2025 will be: for a single course (560 or 561) for Undergraduates - $1,059.60; for both courses (560 and 561) for Undergraduates - $2119.20 plus university fees.
• Out-of-state undergraduate rates are about twice those for in-state students, with costs of approximately $2830.80 per course ($5661.60 for both) plus university fees.
• In addition, both Geology 560 and Geology 561 have a $965 student fee.
• Students not previously enrolled at The University of Kansas will pay a one-time fee of $30.00.

What is Included

• Tuition and fees pay for lodging at the field station or campground in Utah and cabins in Colorado, transportation in Department of Geology vans from Lawrence to camp and return, transportation in the field, and some supplies.
• Students will cook as a group while in Utah (with the cost likely paid by the camp) and must provide their own food and fix their own breakfasts, field lunches, and, typically, dinners while in Colorado.

Requirements and Expectations

• A course in structural geology and sedimentology are prerequisites.
• Non-KU students are urged to have had a field-methods course.
• Students are expected to provide their own textbooks, field gear, bedding, towels, and personal items.
• Students should plan on camping for at least part of the first two weeks, so should have tents, sleeping bags, and pads.

Faculty and Support

• Faculty members include Doug Walker, Diane Kamola, Andreas Moeller, and one or more teaching assistants.
• The camp utilizes advanced technology for mapping and collecting observations, including hardened field laptops with GIS software and/or mobile devices running geologic apps.