Now accepting applications on rolling basis (reviewed as submitted). Spaces limied and all FA Programmes are expected to be filled for 2014. Apply as early as possible.
The Geology of New Zealand Programme (Geology) begins with a five-week field camp, a series of mapping exercises and interlinked modules, that explores the stratigraphy, mountain building, and tectonics of the South Island and the volcanology and geothermal geology of the North Island. Following field-camp students transition to a campus semester at the University of Canterbury located in Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. While at the University of Canterbury students enroll in four courses, one of which is a research methods course based upon data collected in field camp.
Field Camp: mid January to end February, 2014
For 5 weeks, students will travel throughout the North and South Islands, deciphering the geologic evolution of New Zealand from a series of dedicated and linked field modules. This is a field camp experience and our goal is to provide students with a skill base of field focused techniques that will enable them to understand the fundamental causes and timescales of geologic processes. Field work is complemented by map preparation and exercises in the evenings, as well as lectures that highlight a wide variety of our staff’s field and laboratory-based studies.
The Geology programme begins by exploring the stratigraphy, mountain building and tectonics of the Southern Alps. Following three modules in the South Island students travel to the North Island where they will focus on studying the world’s largest volcanic eruptions, and geothermal energy.
2013 field modules were:
- Field Module 1: Introduction to geologic field mapping in an uplifted and deformed succession of Oligocene marine strata
- Field Module 2: Gondwanaland to New Zealand: reconstructing the geologic architecture of the South Island
- Field Module 3: Volcanoes: Eruption Styles, Volcano Monitoring and Hazards
- Field Module 4: Geothermal Geology and Energy: a Sustainable Resource
- Field Module 5: Independent Research: Geology of Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula
Campus Semester: end February – end June, 2014
The field camp experience will transition into a semester at the University of Canterbury. Students will enroll in 4 semester courses (2 Geology courses including a required research methods course, and 2 course of your choosing from the University of Canterbury course catalogue). The research methods course allows the students to conduct a research project based upon data collected during field camp. In addition, students will learn to compile and prepare a professional map and geologic history based on field module 1.
Download our Geology Brochure
Programme Director: Darren Gravley, Faculty – Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury
Darren is a volcanologist in the Departement of Geological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. Darren blends his globally-recognised volcano research with undergraduate and graduate education projects in earth systems science. He studies the largest volcanoes known to man, “supervolcanoes”, and his research spans the globe from Japan to the United States to South America and New Zealand. With a New Zealand mother and an American father, Darren has taken advantage of a unique opportunity to blend his Pomona College undergraduate education with his love of the New Zealand outdoors and a concern for its environment.
Programme Details
Credits/Units: Five course credits transcripted by the Lafayette College.
- Geology Field Camp
- Geologic Field Research Methods & Independent Study
- One courses within the Department of Geological Sciences
- Two courses of your choosing
Tuition: 2013: 22,000 NZD (include all field camp costs, semester tuition and insurance)
Other Costs:
- Return Airfare - 1$,500 NZD – 2,000 NZD (approximated)
- Room at Ilam Apartments – $4,809 NZD
- Board – self-catered approximately $250 NZD per week (catered meals available through the University)
- Books – approzimatley $400 NZD
Applications Close 15th October 2014
Geologic Semester Courses and Course Descriptions
Follow this link for a full complete list of geologic courses offered at the University of Canterbury. Please note: Most FA students take 200 and 300 level courses. Prerequisites may apply. You are enrolling for Semester 1 (NZ system)
Complete list of geology courses
Complete list of all University of Canterbury courses
“The GEOLOGY programme has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I get to travel to New Zealand, an amazing experience in itself, but I was able to study geological field skills in some of its most spectacular settings, all while in the company of good friends and great instructors. I’ve found myself at the tops of volcanoes and mountains, I’ve rafted over and swam beneath waterfalls, and I’ve hiked and camped over glaciers, in forests, and on top of mountains. New Zealand is an awesome place to spend a semester, and Frontiers Abroad is the best way for a geology student to experience it.” – Bryan McAtee, 2009 Lafayette College and Frontiers Abroad student