Basic course details
Course info: GEOL 3902D, Advanced Field Geology: Dinosaur Excavation, two credits
Catalog description: Techniques of field geology and vertebrate paleontology as applied to the study of dinosaur fossils in eastern Wyoming. Introduction to dinosaur fossil excavation, preservation, and prospecting; techniques in field data collection; and interpretation of paleoecology. This course involves moderate to strenuous physical activity. Qualifies for credit in the GEOL 3901-3906 series. Department consent required. May be taken three times for six units. Materials fee required, which includes food, camping and ranch fees, and transportation on-site during the course.
Course objectives:
—Locate, identify, and excavate dinosaur bones and other vertebrate fossils
—Apply fossil evidence to interpret paleoecology, paleobiology, and geology
—Map fossil sites and collect scientific paleontological data
—Integrate scientific literature with fieldwork
—Prepare a field report
When: Summer. Typically there are two separate sessions in the first two weeks of July. In 2022, the two sessions will be July 1–6 and July 8–13.
Where: Students meet in Lusk, Wyoming and will be transported to the field site on a private ranch. Students must provide their own transportation to Lusk.
Cost: Tuition plus $850 course fee. The course fee includes food, ranch fees, camping location, and transport between Lusk and the field site. Students at CSUSB do not pay additional tuition beyond the regular tuition. Non-CSUSB students in the CSU system should contact their registrar for information on additional fees related to Concurrent Enrollment. Students outside the CSU system must pay tuition via CSUSB Open University.
How to enroll: Enrollment is subject to space availability and instructor approval (Contact Dr. Eriksen). CSUSB students enroll as normal. Non-CSUSB students within the CSU system enroll through Concurrent Enrollment from their home campuses. Students outside the CSU system must enroll via CSUSB Open University.
Pre-requisites: An introductory mapping course and an introductory geology course, or instructor approval. A course on sedimentary geology is recommended.
Field instructor: Dr. Marcus Eriksen
Questions? Use the contact link above.