Scientific writing and communication in Earth Science

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course aims at training the students in presenting scientific work and results. During the semester, the students will choose a topic (in agreement with their master thesis supervisor) which will be presented first in an essay and thereafter in an oral presentation. The essay will be reviewed by two fellow students. The oral presentations will take place during a mini-seminar for other course participants. Each presentation will be followed by comments and discussion among the course participants with focus on scientific content and presentation technique.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Skills:

  • Find relevant information about a selected topic within the Earth sciences.

General competence:

  • - Structure and write a scientific essay describing the topic at a level which can be understood by fellow students.
  • - Structure, prepare and present an oral presentation about the topic at a level which can be understood by fellow students.
  • - Give constructive feedback on scientific content and presentation technique in a written essay and an oral presentation.

ECTS Credits

5 credits

Level of Study

Post graduate

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor¿s degree in geology/geophysics.
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires enrollment in a MSc/PhD program at the Faculty of mathematics and natural sciences
Teaching and learning methods
Individual assignments, seminars and group work
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Participation in mini-seminars and handing in two written reviews
Forms of Assessment
Seminar report + oral presentation. Examination is only possible in semesters of instruction.
Grading Scale
Pass / Fail
Assessment Semester
Autumn. Examination is only possible in the semester with teaching activities 
Reading List
Each student submits an individual literature list after consulting with his/her supervisor
Course Evaluation
The students evaluate the course in accordance with UiBs quality assurance system
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Faculty for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program.