Geology_180:_Geologic_Field_Studies:_Mammoth

Material and skills covered:

This course will focus on continuing work on an ICE AGE MAMMOTH skeleton found on campus near Rackham Court dormitory – a rare opportunity. Each term is different as to how much fieldwork vs. lab work there is to be done. In this upcoming term, the work will focus on the skull block that is in the Science Center garage and the lab where we will continue to uncover and clean bones.

Lab work includes 1) removing plaster jackets from bones that have been removed from the excavation pit and 2) cleaning and consolidating (preparing) them for eventual display.

Field work includes 1) digging slowly and meticulously with bamboo skewers and paint brushes around delicate bone material found in the pit, 2) mapping (and drawing) the discovered bones, and 3) site maintenance.

Both venues include giving tours to visitors.

Classroom work involves discussion of assigned reading materials about mammoths and the Ice Age. Most of our class time will be spent in the lab.

Field trip – There will be a mandatory full day field trip.

Journal – You will keep a daily log of lab work.

Progress Report – You will write a scientific progress report to a hypothetical funding agency telling about our excavation, our progress, what we have learned about our mammoth, and what questions remain to be answered.

Methods used:

Lab and field work requires a strong work ethic – demonstrated ability to work carefully and diligently under some supervision. Classes will be mostly discussion of reading assignments. Active participation and honest preparation in all aspects of the course is essential to your success.

Grade determined by:

Participation in the lab and field work, field trip, tours, and class discussions, and successful completion of journal assignments and research paper will determine the final grade. Effective participation is dependent on being prepared.

Attendance policy:

Attendance is required. You will lose 2.5 percentage points off your final grade for each UNEXCUSED absence.

Textbooks:

There will be two inexpensive books to purchase.