UNM Summer Field Geology Program
EPS 319L - INTRODUCTORY FIELD GEOLOGY - SUMMER 2026
4 credit hours, for Advanced Undergraduates
Monday, May 18 - Friday June 5, 2026
You must apply to the course and receive notification of acceptance before you can officially register. Please apply using the electronic application form linked here:
Link to Online Application Form
Summer 2026 Application Deadline: Monday March 23rd by 4:00 PM
EPS 319L Summer Field Geology is an immersive, project-based course focused on investigating the stratigraphy, structure, and landscape evolution of New Mexico’s diverse geologic settings. Through fieldwork in western and northern New Mexico—including Abiquiu, Questa, and the Grants region—students engage directly with spectacular rock exposures and landforms that record the region’s geologic history. Projects begin with foundational field methods and progressively build in complexity, integrating observations of sedimentology, structural geology, volcanology, and geomorphology to address real-world geologic questions.
Students develop core field geology skills including geologic mapping, measuring stratigraphic sections, constructing cross sections, and collecting and interpreting field data. The course culminates in an independent project where students synthesize their data into a research poster and formal presentation. Field camp is a fully immersive experience that includes extended camping trips and collaborative group work; students must be available for the full duration of the course, including weekends. The department provides logistical support and group meals during field excursions, and stipends are available for UNM EPS students to help offset course costs.
Prerequisites: Mineralogy with lab (EPS 301/EPS 302L or equivalent) and Petrology (EPS 303L or equivalent)
Expenses: Course fee $550, tuition TBD based on UNM regents’ determination (summer 2025 in-state tuition was ~$1,470 for a 4-credit course). The EPS department provides a stipend for UNM EPS students taking the course; this stipend will offset the cost of the course fees.
2026 Information Packet, including field gear list: 2026 Info Packet EPS 319L
Tentative schedule (beginning and end dates are set, but project dates may shift):
- May 18-21 -- Course introduction at UNM (4 days): Introduction to field methods and geologic background. Based out of Albuquerque.
- May 22-28 -- Questa, NM (6 days): Taos Plateau Volcanics and Rio Grande Gorge. Camping.
- May 29- June 2 -- Grants, NM (5 days): Geologic mapping at Bonita Canyon. Camping.
- June 3-5 -- Project Synthesis at UNM (3 days): you will choose one of our projects to expand upon with additional analyses and then create a research poster that will be presented during the final class session. Based out of Albuquerque.
If you have questions, email the course instructors:
- Marisa Repasch (mrepasch@unm.edu)
- Tyler Mackey (tjmackey@unm.edu)
