Course Syllabus

Course Information：

Year-Semester	Course Number	Course Name	Phase	Credits	Hours	Required/Elective	Instructor	Class	Student NO.	Withdraw	Note
Fall Semester Year 2026	366590	Advanced Field Geology	1	3.0	3	★	ROU-FEI CHEN	GMRE	3	0

Course Plan：

Instructor	ROU-FEI CHEN　Office Hours
Email	roufei@ntut.edu.tw
Last Updated	2026-06-04 06:08:06
Course Objective	This course is designed to help graduate students master advanced techniques in geological field observation, data collection, and synthesis. Unlike introductory field courses, this curriculum focuses on integrating multidisciplinary data—including structural geology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, and remote sensing—to solve complex geological problems. Students will move beyond simple identification to perform kinematic analysis, stratigraphic correlation in tectonically active settings, and geological hazard assessments. The course emphasizes professional-grade mapping, the use of digital field tools, and the production of high-quality scientific reports suitable for professional or academic publication. Learning Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Execute high-resolution structural and lithological mapping in complex terrains. Construct detailed stratigraphic logs and interpret depositional environments. Utilize advanced GPS, GIS, and remote sensing tools for real-time digital mapping. Conduct systematic geological hazard assessments, including landslide and seismic risk evaluations. Synthesize field data into comprehensive geological maps and cross-sections. Demonstrate professional standards in field safety, ethics, and scientific communication.
Course Schedule	Week 1: Introduction, Ethics, and Field Safety Overview of graduate-level field expectations. Discussion on field ethics, land access, and environmental preservation. Comprehensive safety training, including wilderness first aid basics and emergency communication protocols. Week 2: Advanced Lithology and Mineral Identification Field identification of rock-forming minerals and textures in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Focus on identifying diagnostic features under varying weathering conditions and light. Week 3: Stratigraphic Principles and High-Resolution Logging Techniques for measuring stratigraphic sections. Recording sedimentological structures, grain size variations, and fossil content. Introduction to sequence stratigraphy in a field context. Week 4: Structural Geology I: Brittle Deformation Field observation of faults, joints, and shear zones. Measuring orientation data (strike/dip, trend/plunge) and performing kinematic analysis using slickenlines and offset markers. Week 5: Structural Geology II: Ductile Deformation and Folding Mapping folded terrains. Identifying axial plane foliations, lineations, and parasitic folds. Constructing stereonets in the field to predict large-scale structures. Week 6: Geomorphological Observation and Quaternary Mapping Identifying landforms and surface processes. Mapping alluvial fans, river terraces, and glacial features. Understanding the relationship between tectonics and landscape evolution. Week 7: Remote Sensing and GIS Integration Pre-field analysis using satellite imagery, LiDAR, and Digital Elevation Models (DEM). Learning to overlay geological data on digital platforms to identify large-scale lineaments. Week 8: Digital Mapping Tools and GPS Navigation Hands-on training with digital mapping software. Integrating real-time GPS data with geological layers. Managing digital databases and ensuring data redundancy in the field. Week 9: Mid-term Field Assessment A full-day independent mapping exercise at a local site. Students must produce a preliminary map and a brief structural interpretation within a set timeframe. Week 10: Geological Hazard Assessment: Landslides Field identification of unstable slopes. Mapping tension cracks, hummocky topography, and drainage patterns. Introduction to rock mass rating (RMR) and slope stability evaluation. Week 11: Geological Hazard Assessment: Seismic and Volcanic Identifying active fault traces and paleoseismic evidence. Field recognition of volcanic hazards, including pyroclastic flow deposits and lahar paths. Week 12: Igneous and Metamorphic Complex Mapping Specialized techniques for mapping non-stratiform bodies. Identifying plutonic boundaries, metamorphic zones, and migmatitic structures. Week 13: Hydrogeological Field Observations Identifying aquifers and aquitards in the field. Mapping springs, seepages, and karst features. Understanding the influence of geological structures on groundwater flow. Week 14: Data Synthesis and Cross-section Construction Workshop on integrating disparate field data. Learning the techniques of balanced cross-section construction and 3D geological modeling based on surface observations. Week 15: Scientific Report Writing and Professional Standards Guidelines for drafting professional geological reports. Emphasis on clear descriptions, logical interpretations, and the proper use of citations and appendices. Week 16: Pre-Camp Logistics and Project Planning Final preparations for the overnight field camp. Distribution of regional data, team assignments, and development of a specific mapping strategy for the target area. Week 17: Flexible Week I – Overnight Field Camp Execution of the 3-day, 2-night intensive field mapping project. This week is dedicated to immersive field data collection and evening synthesis sessions. (See Itinerary below). Week 18: Flexible Week II – Final Data Processing and Presentation Post-camp laboratory work. Finalizing digital maps, refining cross-sect
Evaluation and grading policy	Field Notebooks and Sketches: 20% Weekly Field Exercises and Quizzes: 20% Mid-term Field Mapping Project: 20% Final Field Camp Performance and Data Synthesis: 25% Final Technical Report and Presentation: 15%
Materials	All right reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Foreign-language textbooks:Yes Recommended Textbooks for Advanced Field Geology The following list of recommended textbooks and academic resources has been curated to support graduate students in mastering the multi-disciplinary techniques required for advanced geological field observation, structural analysis, and hazard assessment. Field Geology & Mapping Coe, A. L. (Ed.). (2010). Geological field techniques. Wiley-Blackwell. Jerram, D., & Petford, N. (2011). The field description of igneous rocks (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. Structural Geology Davis, G. H., Reynolds, S. J., & Kluth, C. (2012). Structural geology of rocks and regions (3rd ed.). Wiley. Fossen, H. (2016). Structural geology (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. Stratigraphy Catuneanu, O., Abreu, V., Bhattacharya, J. P., Blum, M. D., Dalrymple, R. W., Eriksson, P. G., Fielding, C. R., Fisher, W. L., Galloway, W. E., Gibling, M. R., Giles, K. A., Holbrook, J. M., Jordan, R., Kendall, C. G. S. C., Macurda, B., Martinsen, O. J., Miall, A. D., Neal, J. E., Nummedal, D., ... Winker, C. D. (2009). Towards the standardization of sequence stratigraphy. Earth-Science Reviews, 92(1–2), 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2008.10.003 Miall, A. D. (2000). Principles of sedimentary basin analysis (3rd ed.). Springer. Geomorphology Anderson, R. S., & Anderson, S. P. (2010). Geomorphology: The mechanics and chemistry of landscapes. Cambridge University Press. Burbank, D. W., & Anderson, R. S. (2011). Tectonic geomorphology (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. Remote Sensing & GIS Kennedy, M. D. (2013). Introducing geographic information systems with ArcGIS (3rd ed.). Wiley. Lillesand, T., Kiefer, R. W., & Chipman, J. (2015). Remote sensing and image interpretation (7th ed.). Wiley. Geological Hazards Keller, E. A., & Pinter, N. (2002). Active tectonics: Earthquakes, uplift, and landscape (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall. Turner, A. K., & Schuster, R. L. (Eds.). (1996). Landslides: Investigation and mitigation (Special Report 247). Transportation Research Board, National Academy Press.
The access to curricular consultation	Please go to Room 508-1 of the Materials and Resources Building through the teacher consultation hours (Office Hours)
Expanding teaching and resources	● 數位教材資源應用 (Application of Digital Resources) 採用影音多媒體或具開放授權之資源（如OCW、開放教科書）作為主要或輔助教材。 Adopts multimedia or open-licensed resources (e.g., OCW, Open Textbooks) as primary or supplementary teaching materials. ● 混成學習 (Blended Learning) 課程結合實體授課與線上學習（同步視訊／非同步活動）。 Combines face-to-face instruction with online learning (including synchronous video sessions or asynchronous activities). ● 數位科技融入 (Digital Technology Integration) 運用生成式AI、VR/AR、IoT、IRS等新興科技輔助教學與評量。 Utilizes emerging technologies such as Generative AI, VR/AR, IoT, and IRS (Interactive Response Systems) to facilitate teaching and assessment. ● 參與式創新教學 (Participatory & Innovative Teaching) 強調學生參與與產出，導入翻轉、PBL/專題、設計思考或遊戲化等策略。 Emphasizes student engagement and outcomes by adopting strategies such as Flipped Classroom, PBL (Problem/Project- Based Learning), Design Thinking, or Gamification.
The course corresponds to the SDGs	SDG9：產業創新與基礎設施（Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure） SDG11：永續城市與社區（Sustainable Cities and Communities） SDG13：氣候行動（Climate Action）
Does the course incorporate AI	● 使用生成式AI作為教學過程的輔助工具（Use generative AI tools as an aid to the teaching process） ● 鼓勵學生使用生成式AI工具（Encourage students to use generative AI tools） ● 簡單介紹AI的基本概念（Briefly introduce the basic concept of AI）
Note	Due to the impact of the epidemic, they will not be able to attend school. Classes will be held at the original times, and each student will be invited to participate in the course in real time via Microsoft Teams.