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FIELDWORK EXERCISES

Fieldwork exercises are an important part of the training of Geologists. It is easy to understand that the object of interest of Geology lies "somewhere out there", in the mountains, plains, coasts, even at the bottom of the sea. No matter how much theoretical knowledge someone acquires, he will neither understand it substantially nor consolidate it if he does not have experience from the practical application of Geology in the countryside. No matter how many images and shapes the rocks and geological structures describe to him, nothing compares to the image and what he sees, touches and studies on the spot in the countryside. No matter how much theoretical knowledge he acquires about instrumental measurements, they can in no way replace the practical application of the correct use of instruments in the open air.

All Geology specializations require specialized work, which takes place in the countryside. Tasks such as:

  • geological mapping (and all its specializations), for mapping the geological formations and other geological characteristics of the solid crust and the seabed,
  • the collection of samples (from rocks, soils and waters) for stratigraphic, paleontological, petrological, mineralological, geochemical, deposit, tectonic, hydrogeological, geotechnical and oceanographic analyses and laboratory tests
  • the collection of instrumental measurements, either with a simple geological compass, or with specialized instruments, devices and equipment, such as seismographs, geophysical instruments, geodetic devices, oceanographic equipment, geotechnical instruments, deformation measuring devices, etc. and
  • drilling for hydrogeological, geotechnical, geomorphological, oceanographic surveys

and many more that you will hear about and be informed about in the lessons, are the main body of outdoor work that a Geologist will deal with.

Working in the countryside and the experience that a trainee must acquire is treated in a very serious way by most educational institutions abroad. For example, the Geological Society of the United Kingdom requires 70-102 days of outdoor training for four-year undergraduate studies in Geology Departments. At the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, outdoor exercises are an essential and integral part of the training that takes place in the amphitheaters and laboratories.

In most compulsory courses, but also in many of the elective courses, there is at least one compulsory one-day field exercise outside Athens. Fieldwork exercises also take place in the countryside around the University Campus at the foot of Mount Hymettus, where many subjects and specializations can be covered.

The top outdoor exercise of the Department is represented by the exercise that takes place within the framework of the interdisciplinary course of Geological mapping, which takes place for ten days in the mountainous area of Ano Doliana, Arcadia. The exercise includes daily hiking and outdoor work, as well as data processing in the late afternoon at the accommodation, with the participation of faculty members from all specialties, who train students in all subjects required by this interdisciplinary course.

Fieldwork exercises participate with a significant percentage in the final grade of most courses, ranging from 10% to 30%. An exception is the interdisciplinary course of Geological Mapping, where the participation rate is 100%, since it takes place exclusively in the countryside, with of course the appropriate preparation and information of students before it is conducted.

Working outdoors does not require special physical skills, it requires basic equipment and information on its proper and safe use, as well as basic knowledge for first aid. It also requires students to present some medical examinations confirming that there is no reason for their safe participation in fieldwork exercises, something similar to what is required for their participation in any common sport. For this reason, a short compulsory Seminar is held for first-year students, for which information follows below.

Seminar courses for first-year students:

"Acquaintance with geosciences - OUTDOOR & LABORATORY WORK, equipment & safety"

The Seminar is addressed to newly admitted students of the Department of Geology & Geoenvironment. Its purpose is to inform and educate them on issues related to the necessary equipment and its proper use, the safety rules governing geological work and exercise in the countryside, as well as the provision of First Aid in case of emergency or accident.

It takes place during the first week of their studies (before the start of the course). The duration of the seminar is approximately 14 hours and takes place in the afternoon at A13, according to the schedule attached and at times to be announced at the beginning of the course and includes three parts.

In the first part, information is provided on:

  • the subjects of the Department of Geology & Geoenvironment,
  • the activities, organisational and operational issues related to the educational process, and
  • the possibilities of the Erasmus programm and the practical training of students in public and private bodies

In the second part they become:

  •     Information on the subject and practices of laboratory exercises and geological work and exercise in the countryside, with emphasis on:
    • the necessary equipment,
    • the safety regulations,
    • the rules of behavior in the countryside, and
    • the protection of the geological heritage.
  •     Information on instrumental measurements and data. Equipment and safe use.

In the third part, students are informed and trained on issues related to the provision of First Aid, in order to deal with emergencies during work in the countryside. It includes:

  • First Aid Courses. Introduction and update.
  • First Aid Courses. Practical training in basic issues of First Aid, in groups.

The attendance of the Seminar and the presentation of the medical examinations that will be requested are mandatory in order to be able to ensure his/her participation in the (compulsory) fieldwork exercises (which take place in most courses of the curriculum), but also to prepare his/her diploma thesis, which in the majority of cases includes field work.

Information (dates, educational material, etc.) is done through thee-Class and for this reason all students must register, just like for the rest of the courses.

For any information, question or clarification you can contact the Prof. Stelios Lozios (slozios@geol.uoa.gr, +30 6946 46 33 30).

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