Field Course in Quarternary Geology and Palaeoclimate

Undergraduate course

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

10 credits

Level of Study

Bachelor

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

Bergen, Nordfjord, Gudbrandsdalen and Ă˜sterdalen
Required Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
10 credit overlap with GEOL109, GEOL225 and GEO341
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a programme of study at The Faculty of Science and Technology
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching will be in the form of classroom seminars and teaching in the field.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
The assessment for this course is in three parts that form the basis for whether the student passes the subject or not:
  1. A group thematic report and oral presentation, submitted before the field class
  2. A group field report and map
  3. An individual field notebook
Forms of Assessment
Portfolio assessment
Grading Scale
Pass / Fail  
Assessment Semester
Spring. Assessment is only provided in semesters with teaching.
Reading List
The reading list will be available by July 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator
The course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB, or you may contact studierettleiar@geo.uib.no
Course Administrator
The Faculty for Science and Technology, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.