GEOL 210 | Central Washington University

GEOL 210 Introduction to Geologic Field Methods

This course is intended for students who are considering or planning on majoring in the Geological Sciences and related fields. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge from introductory geology courses to a spectacular field location in eastern California, where you will learn standard geologic field techniques and data analysis.

This two-week field course is part of fall quarter but takes place before classes begin, usually starting in late August. The field work is based out of the Owens Valley Lab at the White Mountain Research Center near Bishop, CA. When we return to campus, we will spend two days in the computer lab introducing you to ArcGis and mapping digitally.

GEOL 210 is a core course for all majors in the department, and is designed for students just entering our program. It is often the first course that transfer students take at CWU. An introductory course (with a lab) is the only pre-requisite.

Information for 2026

These are the dates and documents for the Fall 2026 course.

Dates

Monday, May 4, 4:00 pm OPTIONAL but encouraged meeting in Discovery Hall room 114 to learn about the course
August 26, 1:00 pm REQUIRED meeting to prepare for departure and pack vans
August 27-September 10 To Bishop, CA, and back
September 11-12 ArcGIS work in Discovery Hall on campus