Geology Students Take the Classroom
In order to further develop the students research skills as part of the vision of the United Arab Emirates University, the Geology Department launched a series of outdoor field research initiatives called Winter of Applied Geoscience Experience (WAGE). The initiative aims to match the theoretical studies to reality and provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable research experience.
Dr. Khalid Al Bloushi, Head of the Geology Department at UAEU said, “The study of geoscience should be in the field and laboratories not only in classes. Our graduates need more practical experiences in different fields of geology, hence we thought of establishing WAGE.”
WAGE 2012 was held in Al Fayah area (Ajareb Mountain) from 17th – 20th Dec, 2012. There were twelve female student participants led by five faculty members. WAGE is first of its kind female camping activity at UAEU. The students conducted their studies on Ajareb Mountain which never been studied geologically before. Ajareb is investigated in fields of petrology, paleontology and structural geology. Also, the students conducted a geophysical survey using magnetic method to characterize the extension of the unique ophiolite layers in the subsurface.
Warda Salem, geology student, said, “This experience has allowed me to see geology from a different angle; it is a new experience for me that helps answers some questions raised in my mind during my theoretical study. I also enjoyed and learned from the team work sprit at this camp.”
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Geology Department will be honoring female students who participate in this experience on March 11th, 2013 in UAEU female campus. In addition, the geology department will demonstrate WAGE 12 and display a field photo gallery during the honoring ceremony.
