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EASC2409 Regional field studies (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Earth and Planetary Sciences Quota 20
Course Co-ordinator Prof J Zhang, Earth and Planetary Sciences < jian@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof J Zhang (Wuhan Field Trip),Earth and Planetary Sciences)
(TBC (Taiwan Field Trip),Earth and Planetary Sciences)
Course Objectives This field-based course introduces Taiwan and Wuhan's geology through hands-on studies and field excursions.
The course is compulsory for students doing the Geology (Intensive) major.
Course Contents & Topics The course will introduce the following topics:

Geological studies in Taiwan and Wuhan
- Geological history of Taiwan and Wuhan
- Recognition of rock units and minerals in the field
- Field recognition and description of geological structures
- Stratigraphic measurements
- Field geology of active and passive margins, volcanic systems
- Engineering geology
- Management of geological hazards
- Basic geological mapping techniques
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 have acquired a broad understanding of the geology of east Asia, in particular, Taiwan, Japan and/or South China
CLO 2 be able to undertake basic field observations, stratigraphic measurements and identifications of rocks and minerals
CLO 3 have acquired at least 3 days of experience in independent stratigraphic logging and geological mapping
CLO 4 develop skills in integrating geological field data in determining a geological history and writing a structured field report
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in EASC1401 or EASC1402
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2021 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 N        Examination
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of the geology of the study sites, ability to give a detailed account of the geological history of the study region, as well as strong ability to produce good-quality reports on independent field measurements.
B Demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the geology of the study sites with evidence on efforts to unravel the geological history of the study region and acceptable level of competence in field measurement techniques.
C Could only demonstrate an incomplete understanding of the geology of the study sites and some ability to make field observations and a basic knowledge on field measurement techniques.
D Demonstrate limited understanding of the geology of the study sites and limited ability to apply field measurement techniques.
Fail Show no or little knowledge of the geology of the study sites and lack of ability in making field observations and applying field measurement techniques.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Field camps
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Field work 14 days 100.0
Reading / Self study 20.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Report Prof SC Chang's field trip (Oral presentation 20%, Reports 20% & Sketches 10%) & Prof J Zhang's field trip (Field reports 25%, Field notes (format/descriptions) 10% & Oral presentation 15%) 100.0 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Comprehensive course notes provided
Course Website
Additional Course Information Priority for being able to take this course is given to Year 3 and 4 students, especially those who have already participated in the linked field trip in the preceding academic year and completed the associated assignment(s), and those doing the Geology/Geology Intensive majors.

The Taiwan trip will be in late December or early January each year.


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