As part of the Geological Engineering curriculum at PetroVietnam University (PVU), students of Class K12GE completed a six-day field geology practicum across four provinces in Central and Southern Vietnam. This journey, both physically and intellectually demanding, provided students with not only technical knowledge but also invaluable personal growth. Leaving the comfort of lecture halls, the students engaged in direct observation and hands-on exercises in varied terrains, from mountain ranges and valleys to coastal plains.
PVU students at the Statue of Our Lady Bai Dau, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
During the field trip, students applied theoretical concepts to vivid realities; this helps students consolidate their knowledge from previously learned courses, including Physical Geology, Mineralogy with Lab, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology with Lab, and Structural Geology with Lab. In particular, the trip provides hands-on experience in analyzing and identifying different types of rocks, fundamental geological structures such as stratification, folding, faulting, and fractures.
PVU students conducted a geological survey at Hang Rai, Khanh Hoa Province.
Throughout the journey, students became proficient in using geological compasses, GPS devices, and maps. These are essential skills required in the earth sciences as well as the petroleum industry. The field camp was also a great opportunity for self-discipline and teamwork. Under intense sunlight, through rugged terrain and long hours of trekking, the students learned to rely on one another, share responsibilities, and maintain scientific discipline in fieldwork. It was a test of both their knowledge and their spirit.
PVU students observed and analyzed external geological processes in Suoi Tien, Lam Dong Province
This practical course also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Rocks, formations, and landscapes became stories, evidence of millions of years of Earth’s history. The ability to “read” the land, to see beyond the surface, marked a turning point in how the students viewed both their studies and their future careers. This field trip not only reinforced core geological competencies but also fostered a sense of identity, purpose, and passion among future geoscientists. The journey may have ended, but the lessons will last a lifetime.
