TEACHING FIELD METHODOLOGY THROUGH UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: SLOPE FAILURE MODELING

Studies have indicated that roughly 99% of geology programs in the United States have field camp requirements (Drummond and Markin, 2008); however a closer examination of programs suggests that many curricula lack additional coursework relating exclusively to field assessment. Undergraduate research projects can be an excellent means of acquainting students with field methodology in geology where conventional field courses other than field camp are not available. Field-based research projects can provide experiences that allow students to learn and sharpen their observational and recording skills and expose students to genuine geological problems that involve field investigation.

A number of junior and senior-level students in the geology program at Arkansas Tech University have been involved in ongoing research by departmental faculty into the nature of bedrock slope failure in western Arkansas. A numerical model to predict likelihood of failure is currently being developed. Students are involved in all aspects of the study and engage in activities including: hypothesis development, testing, and evaluation; field excursion planning; outcrop selection and observation; compilation of observations (field note book); orienteering (use of topographic and geological quadrangle maps, global positioning units, and geographic information systems), and creation of field-based documents (reports, maps, cross sections).

Experience in field-based research projects can serve as an aid in preparing students for field camp and for field-based projects in future graduate studies and employment.