Research in ESS
ESS Field Camp
Class Field Trips
UW Undergrad Research

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers many field and research opportunities for undergrads. The dynamic geologic history of the Pacific Northwest provides students with plenty of opportunities for local field work. ESS students have also studied in Death Valley, Hawaii, the Philippines, and other areas. Below is a sample of the many field and research opportunities for ESS undergrads.

Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington      

The Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Washington provides extensive information for students who would like to get involved in research opportunities. Their website includes information on preparing for research, finding research, workshops and resources to help you, getting credit, getting funded and getting published.

Research in the ESS Department      

Currently, there are no formal arrangements, and students typically connect with faculty after having a class with them, or by "word of mouth." Perhaps the best way to get started is to take the initiative, talk to other students or your TA's and by approaching faculty and simply asking what they have available.

In 2008-2009, 27 undergraduates worked with ESS faculty members on research projects. These students worked at least one quarter for 10 hours a week.

The chart of Research Areas in the department gives a good picture of which faculty are doing different kinds of research. Notices of research possibilities are also listed on the website of the UW Undergraduate Research Program.

With the permission of any faculty adviser, undergraduate students may register for ESS 499 Undergraduate Research. (Please note that these credits do not count toward those required to complete the major.)

NASA Washington Space Grant Consortium has summer research opportunities for students in Earth and Space Sciences. Visit the website for more information.

ESS Field Camp      

A six-week summer field course in Southwest Montana is required for all undergrads acquiring a B.S. degree except for the physics option. Students gain experience in observing, recording, describing, and interpreting different kinds of rocks and surficial deposits. Field camp also includes trips to areas like Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. "Field Camp was a challenging experience, but it was definitely worth it. It was rewarding to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real situations. Not only did I gain invaluable field experience, I also had a lot of fun!"

Visit the ESS 400 course manual and field camp scrapbook for more information.

Class Field Trips      

Hawaii

The ESS Department helped the GeoClub coordinate several trips to Hawaii, most recently Spring Break 2010.

Australia

Students were involved in hiking and exploring some of the great wilderness areas of the Northern Territory and northern Western Australian to experience first hand its geology and its wildlife. Many of the formations in the region date back from 100 to 2000 million years ago (MYA), and the ability of students to gain first hand access to these areas provides a great geological experince for students.

Mount St. Helens

UW is fortunate to have Mount St. Helens in its backyard! Early each Fall Qtr, weekend field trips introduce undergrad and grad students to the dramatic 1980 eruption and its muddy aftermath, and to ongoing research and monitoring.

Mt. Baker

On the second Saturday of the quarter, the ESS 431 class takes an all-day field trip to Easton Glacier on Mt. Baker, to examine the snow and ice of the glacier itself, as well as the erosional and depositional features in the surrounding landscapes that were created by the glacier. Look at the field trip handout for more information.

UW Undergrad Research Program      

The UW Undergrad Research Program (URP) helps students find current research opportunities across many disciplines. The program also helps students obtain academic credit and seek funding. See the URP website for more information.

© 2013 University of Washington