Curtin Malaysia students unearth real-world insights during geological field trip

Miri, Sarawak – 18 June 2025 – To enhance practical learning, blending classroom theory and real-world exploration, Curtin University Malaysia’s Applied Geology programme recently conducted an immersive interdisciplinary geological field trip for first-year Engineering and Science students, offering hands-on exposure to Sarawak’s hydrocarbon-rich terrain and its complex geological structures.

The one-day expedition was part of the ‘Dynamic Earth (GEOL1008)’ unit and involved 27 students from both Science and Engineering disciplines, highlighting the trip’s unique interdisciplinary focus.

The excursion was led by Dr. Vijay Anand S., Lecturer in Applied Geology, and supported by Associate Lecturer Fiona Bassy, postgraduate researcher Patricia A/P Henry, and final-year undergraduate Aristotle Joshua Endaya.

The students visited key outcrops located approximately 20 kilometres from the Curtin Malaysia campus, including Jalan Mukah, Miri Central Park, and Height Residence – areas known for showcasing distinct sedimentary sequences, fault systems, and fossil-bearing formations within the Sarawak Basin.

“This fieldwork enabled students to physically engage with textbook concepts, observing everything from fossil assemblages to iron-rich sediment layers that point to the area’s significant hydrocarbon potential,” said Dr. Vijay.

At each site, the students documented stratigraphic sequences, coal beds, and fault systems, while also interpreting depositional environments and sediment transport processes. A particular highlight occurred at Miri Central Park, where they encountered rare transported lithologies – an opportunity to witness geological processes in action and deepen their understanding of sediment mobilisation.

The inclusion of engineering students from various specialisations enriched the field experience, reinforcing the growing value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing energy and environmental challenges.

“Seeing how geology informs infrastructure, energy development, and environmental planning was eye-opening for our engineering students,” said Associate Lecturer Fiona Bassy. “They approached the rocks not just as formations, but as future assets or challenges in their fields.”

The Sarawak Basin, an important region for Malaysia’s petroleum industry, offered an ideal backdrop for linking geological principles with practical industry relevance. Among the geological features studied were accretionary complexes, interconnected fault systems, carbonaceous deposits including coal beds, and iron-rich sedimentary formations.

Through this dynamic and field-centric approach to learning, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen its commitment to STEM education, producing graduates equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the observation and analysis skills critical to geoscience, energy, and environmental sectors.

“These kinds of field experiences are essential,” said Dr. Vijay. “They inspire scientific curiosity and lay the groundwork for responsible exploration and innovation.”

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Students pose at Jalan Mukah Outcrop, a site rich in stratigraphic diversity

(Front row, L-R) Associate Lecturer Fiona Bassy, postgraduate researcher Patricia, and final-year student Aristotle join Dr. Vijay Anand and students at Height Residence