Location

County Kerry, County Clare, and Connemara, Ireland

Program Description

The Ireland: Geology Field Camp is the James Madison University Department of Geology and Environmental Science capstone course for geoscience majors. After completing the field course, you will be qualified to work for an industry, government, or academic employer who needs you to travel to an isolated field area, assess the local bedrock and surficial geology, natural resources, natural hazards, environmental conditions, etc., write a project report, draft a publishable map, compile a database, and return home safely.

The main objective is for you to become confident and proficient at scientific observation and interpretation of geological problems in the field.

You will learn to recognize and interpret a wide variety of rocks, structures, geomorphic, and hydrologic features in world-class geologic settings. Methods of mapmaking, data recording, and report preparation are emphasized. Projects from one to five days' duration are conducted in regions where igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, surficial deposits, and other features are well-exposed.

In completing this course, you will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions of a professional geologist through a variety of field experiences and interactions with instructors at JMU and other institutions. Additionally, you will develop a deeper understanding of the geological history, geoheritage, and cultural setting of Ireland.

The course addresses academic goals as a capstone course for geology majors, with the opportunity to study a range of geologic settings across varied materials and over a billion years of Earth history. This course also serves as a study-abroad experience that may otherwise not be possible in normal undergraduate curricula.

Location Description

The primary locations for the field course will be in the Counties of Kerry, Clare and Galway in Southwestern and Western Ireland.

Director

Kirsty McKenzie | mckenzka@jmu.edu | Geology

Eric Pyle | pyleej@jmu.edu | Geology and Environmental Science

Accommodations

Students will be housed in shared living facilities including group hostels and similar dormitory facilities.

Students will receive a meal stipend to cover the cost of meals if not provided by the program or accommodations. Unless otherwise instructed, students will be expected to pack and bring a lunch to the field. When staying in hostels, students will have access to a full kitchen and dining room. It is recommended that students plan ahead and form cooking groups or alternate cooking responsibilities. Further details will be provided on accommodations and meals during the field camp information sessions throughout the academic year.

Additional Items to Consider

The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro, and meal stipends will be provided in the local currency.

Whilst abroad, you may incur significant data roaming charges when using your cell phone. To avoid this, plan ahead and contact your cell phone network provider to explore the international packages that are available. All accommodation will have free WiFi.

During the field camp information sessions, students will be provided important information on the trip logistics and course schedule, recommended travel itineraries, and a field camp equipment list.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Prerequisites: GEOL 300, GEOL 330 and GEOL 365

Open to Juniors, Seniors, Graduate Students, including non-JMU students; in Geology and Earth Science majors or minors