Programme

The course integrates theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and field activities aimed at developing the fundamental methods of geological field mapping and reconstructing the geological and geomorphological evolution of an area.

1. Theoretical Instruction
The lectures will provide the conceptual foundations required to understand and represent the geological setting of an area. The following topics will be covered:
* principles, objectives, and scales of geological field mapping;
* fundamentals of cartography and topography, including coordinate systems, map scales, and the interpretation of topographic relief;
* criteria for defining geological units and their boundaries;
* principles of stratigraphy applied to the analysis of sedimentary successions;
* geometry of planar and linear geological features;
* main tectonic structures, with particular reference to folds and faults;
* relationships between geological structure, landforms, and landscape evolution;
* principles of three-dimensional reconstruction of surface and subsurface structures;
* criteria for evaluating, integrating, and interpreting geological data;
* conduct and safety requirements for fieldwork.

2. Practical Classroom Activities
Practical exercises will focus on the processing, interpretation, and presentation of geological data. They will include:
* integrated analysis of topographic and geological maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images;
* identification and description of the main sedimentary lithologies in hand specimens;
* exercises in the cartographic representation of geological orientations and boundaries;
* construction of topographic profiles, geological cross-sections, and stratigraphic sections;
* three-dimensional reconstruction of geological bodies;
* organisation, validation, and interpretation of collected data;
* digitisation of data and preparation of geological maps;
* preparation of map legends and geological reports.

3. Field Activities
Field activities will comprise four one-day field trips and a final-year geological field camp. Students will apply field-mapping techniques with progressively greater autonomy through:
* orientation and location of observation points;
* use of topographic maps, geological compasses, and positioning instruments;
* observation and description of outcrops;
* identification of lithologies and stratigraphic relationships;
* measurement of bedding attitudes and other geological features;
* identification and mapping of geological boundaries and the main tectonic structures;
* observation of the relationships between bedrock geology and landforms;
* compilation of a field notebook containing data, sketches, and observations;
* daily validation of collected data and formulation of interpretative hypotheses for the mapped area.

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and field activities is mandatory for 75% of the sessions.

Type of evaluation

The examination consists of an oral assessment during which the final assignments submitted by each student will be discussed. Students are required to complete four individual assignments relating to the one-day field trips and one group assignment relating to the final-year geological field camp. Depending on the characteristics of the area studied, each assignment will include: * a geological map; * a legend written using appropriate technical terminology; * one or more representative geological cross-sections; * a summary stratigraphic section. Each individual assignment must also include a report describing the geological setting and the geological and geomorphological evolution of the study area. The assessment will consider the quality of the assignments, the clarity of the student’s presentation, and their ability to use appropriate technical and scientific terminology. The examination will assess the competencies acquired in relation to the five Dublin Descriptors. To pass the examination, students must achieve a passing grade of at least 18/30 in both the theoretical and practical components.

Programme

The course integrates theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and field activities aimed at developing the fundamental methods of geological field mapping and reconstructing the geological and geomorphological evolution of an area.

1. Theoretical Instruction
The lectures will provide the conceptual foundations required to understand and represent the geological setting of an area. The following topics will be covered:
* principles, objectives, and scales of geological field mapping;
* fundamentals of cartography and topography, including coordinate systems, map scales, and the interpretation of topographic relief;
* criteria for defining geological units and their boundaries;
* principles of stratigraphy applied to the analysis of sedimentary successions;
* geometry of planar and linear geological features;
* main tectonic structures, with particular reference to folds and faults;
* relationships between geological structure, landforms, and landscape evolution;
* principles of three-dimensional reconstruction of surface and subsurface structures;
* criteria for evaluating, integrating, and interpreting geological data;
* conduct and safety requirements for fieldwork.

2. Practical Classroom Activities
Practical exercises will focus on the processing, interpretation, and presentation of geological data. They will include:
* integrated analysis of topographic and geological maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images;
* identification and description of the main sedimentary lithologies in hand specimens;
* exercises in the cartographic representation of geological orientations and boundaries;
* construction of topographic profiles, geological cross-sections, and stratigraphic sections;
* three-dimensional reconstruction of geological bodies;
* organisation, validation, and interpretation of collected data;
* digitisation of data and preparation of geological maps;
* preparation of map legends and geological reports.

3. Field Activities
Field activities will comprise four one-day field trips and a final-year geological field camp. Students will apply field-mapping techniques with progressively greater autonomy through:
* orientation and location of observation points;
* use of topographic maps, geological compasses, and positioning instruments;
* observation and description of outcrops;
* identification of lithologies and stratigraphic relationships;
* measurement of bedding attitudes and other geological features;
* identification and mapping of geological boundaries and the main tectonic structures;
* observation of the relationships between bedrock geology and landforms;
* compilation of a field notebook containing data, sketches, and observations;
* daily validation of collected data and formulation of interpretative hypotheses for the mapped area.

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and field activities is mandatory for 75% of the sessions.

Type of evaluation

The examination consists of an oral assessment during which the final assignments submitted by each student will be discussed. Students are required to complete four individual assignments relating to the one-day field trips and one group assignment relating to the final-year geological field camp. Depending on the characteristics of the area studied, each assignment will include: * a geological map; * a legend written using appropriate technical terminology; * one or more representative geological cross-sections; * a summary stratigraphic section. Each individual assignment must also include a report describing the geological setting and the geological and geomorphological evolution of the study area. The assessment will consider the quality of the assignments, the clarity of the student’s presentation, and their ability to use appropriate technical and scientific terminology. The examination will assess the competencies acquired in relation to the five Dublin Descriptors. To pass the examination, students must achieve a passing grade of at least 18/30 in both the theoretical and practical components.

Programme

The course integrates theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and field activities aimed at developing the fundamental methods of geological field mapping and reconstructing the geological and geomorphological evolution of an area.

1. Theoretical Instruction
The lectures will provide the conceptual foundations required to understand and represent the geological setting of an area. The following topics will be covered:
* principles, objectives, and scales of geological field mapping;
* fundamentals of cartography and topography, including coordinate systems, map scales, and the interpretation of topographic relief;
* criteria for defining geological units and their boundaries;
* principles of stratigraphy applied to the analysis of sedimentary successions;
* geometry of planar and linear geological features;
* main tectonic structures, with particular reference to folds and faults;
* relationships between geological structure, landforms, and landscape evolution;
* principles of three-dimensional reconstruction of surface and subsurface structures;
* criteria for evaluating, integrating, and interpreting geological data;
* conduct and safety requirements for fieldwork.

2. Practical Classroom Activities
Practical exercises will focus on the processing, interpretation, and presentation of geological data. They will include:
* integrated analysis of topographic and geological maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images;
* identification and description of the main sedimentary lithologies in hand specimens;
* exercises in the cartographic representation of geological orientations and boundaries;
* construction of topographic profiles, geological cross-sections, and stratigraphic sections;
* three-dimensional reconstruction of geological bodies;
* organisation, validation, and interpretation of collected data;
* digitisation of data and preparation of geological maps;
* preparation of map legends and geological reports.

3. Field Activities
Field activities will comprise four one-day field trips and a final-year geological field camp. Students will apply field-mapping techniques with progressively greater autonomy through:
* orientation and location of observation points;
* use of topographic maps, geological compasses, and positioning instruments;
* observation and description of outcrops;
* identification of lithologies and stratigraphic relationships;
* measurement of bedding attitudes and other geological features;
* identification and mapping of geological boundaries and the main tectonic structures;
* observation of the relationships between bedrock geology and landforms;
* compilation of a field notebook containing data, sketches, and observations;
* daily validation of collected data and formulation of interpretative hypotheses for the mapped area.

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and field activities is mandatory for 75% of the sessions.

Type of evaluation

The examination consists of an oral assessment during which the final assignments submitted by each student will be discussed. Students are required to complete four individual assignments relating to the one-day field trips and one group assignment relating to the final-year geological field camp. Depending on the characteristics of the area studied, each assignment will include: * a geological map; * a legend written using appropriate technical terminology; * one or more representative geological cross-sections; * a summary stratigraphic section. Each individual assignment must also include a report describing the geological setting and the geological and geomorphological evolution of the study area. The assessment will consider the quality of the assignments, the clarity of the student’s presentation, and their ability to use appropriate technical and scientific terminology. The examination will assess the competencies acquired in relation to the five Dublin Descriptors. To pass the examination, students must achieve a passing grade of at least 18/30 in both the theoretical and practical components.