Field Course in Quarternary Geology and Palaeoclimate
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- GEOV225
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English. Norwegian if only Norwegian students attend.
Course description
Objectives and Content
Objectives:
The course aims to provide the student the knowledge and skills to complete a Quaternary geologic field survey, prepare a Quaternary geological map and write a final report and notebook from field investigations.
Content:
Different topics from the curriculum literature to the subject form the basis for an individual thematic report presented by the students at a seminar before departure for the field course. During the field course, an introduction to Quaternary geological field methods and mapping techniques will be presented. The first and last part of the field course consists of excursion to selected Quaternary geological sites in Nordfjord, Gudbrandsdalen and Ă˜sterdalen. At several locations, students conduct investigations either individually or in small groups.
Students write individual diary reports from the excursion days documenting key sites. During the survey part, students are divided into small groups that prepare Quaternary geological maps of a selected area. Quaternary geological deposits are described and their genesis is discussed and interpreted. The mapping part (3 days) forms the basis for a group report submitted at the end of the field course. The individual theme report and presentation, the group field report with map, and the individual field notebook form the basis for whether the student passes the subject or not.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student can:
- explain how glacial landscapes are formed and can be used to reconstruct palaeo-ice sheets and glaciers
- summarise key glacial geological and geomorphological terms
- describe how erosional and depositional glacial features are formed
- explain how the basal thermal regime (cold-based/temperate) of a glacier affects erosion and deposition processes
- understand the Quaternary glacial history of southern Norway and the localities visited during the field course
Skills
The student can:
- make field observations of Quaternary geology and geomorphology by describing and interpreting sediments and landforms in the field
- keep a good field notebook
- prepare a Quaternary geological map and field report
General competence
The student can:
- use precise geological language in describing and discussing geological processes and events
- recognise and communicate humanity's dependence and impact on the Earth system
- work individually and ethically together with fellow students
- conduct fieldwork in accordance with GEO/UiB's health and safety guidelines
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Spring semester
The course has limited capacity. Priority will be given to UiB-registered Bachelor students. Master and exchange students can be admitted to the course if spaces are available and they have an appropriate background in glacial geology. More info: www.uib.no/en/nt/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity
Place of Instruction
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- A group thematic report and oral presentation, submitted before the field class
- A group field report and map
- An individual field notebook