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About OUGS
About OUGS
Why we study Earth Sciences
I reproduce here a few words that Stuart Monro (OBE) used to sum up at the close of the 2007 OUGS Symposium in Lancaster, because it encapsulates the essence of why we do what we do.
'So why study Our Dynamic Planet?
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The whole of society is underpinned by Earth Science
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It is a small blue ball hanging in the infinity of space
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But it is our home - A home we need to know more about'
OUGS Webmaster, Oct 2007
We are almost as old as the Open University itself!
The idea for a geological society in the Open University (OU) was born during the first Summer School of the original geology course in 1972. It was actively supported and encouraged by the then Head of Earth Sciences Department, Professor Ian Gass. Since that time we have been pleased to be able to count on the Department's support in both our field and non-field activities, and have maintained a very close relationship with staff at The Open University, Milton Keynes and in the Regions. Some teaching members of the Department even started out as OU students.
However, this does not mean that the OUGS is an extension of the academic work of The Open University Earth Sciences Department. We are an independent organisation whose members have mainly come to enjoy geology through their teaching. But it should not be thought that the knowledge flows one-way. Many members of the society have been able in their own ways to contribute to the work of the OU both in the field of research and the many outreach activities organised. It is this close relationship that benefits everyone involved.
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| Studying a dyke complex on the Lizard Peninsula with Professor John Mather, Cornwall, UK. May 2007 |
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| Dykes or sills? learning about the Cyprus Ophiolite with Paul Williams. Cyprus, April 2007 |
You are the Expert
The OUGS is the second largest professional or amateur geological organisation in the United Kingdom. It is certainly the largest student geological society and while size, as they say, isn't everything, we have a membership that is large enough and well enough spread throughout the British Isles and Mainland Europe to have 18 Branches each running events and providing a local focus for their members. Within the Society there are also enough members to provide a pool of expertise. This pool consists of members who have been with the society since it was conceived 25 years ago, and have finished their degrees (some of whom are OU tutors and staff), through to people who are joining for the first time and just starting their studies and those who just have an interest. If you think that in being new to geology means that you don't have expertise, then please think again. Almost certainly you know a rock exposure that no one else in the society knows in as much detail. If you really believe you don't have expertise - by joining OUGS you won't remain in that state for long! And you are not excluded if you live in a town; shop fronts and buildings are as interesting as rocks high on the Scottish mountains and mostly more accessible. And they're probably better exposed too since they've been cut and polished.
What does the Society offer?
- Over 200 events organised every year
- The enjoyment of seeing and hearing about geology in the company of like minded people in some of the most stunning places in the world
- An instant support group if you are an earth science student - whatever the level or institution you are studying at
- Contact with other members who are doing or have done the same studies as you
- Field trips to reinforce and extend your knowledge and the opportunity someday to lead your own trip? It is a society run by members, after all!
- The Journal - produced twice annually, one issue containing research and general articles, the other the proceedings of the annual Symposium.
- A Society Newsletter produced every other month
- Regular Branch newsletters to keep the local group in touch
- AND - this web site for the most up to date information