Master Level Field Excursion in Quaternary Geology

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Objectives: The quartnary geology of Western Europe has major regional differences both in relation to which processes that have formed the landscape and not at least how long an area has been exposed to different exogenous processes. The aim of the course is to provide students with insight into, and knowledge of selected areas with a focus on the regional geomorphological and stratigraphic part of the quaternary geology. Through the course, students will acquire advanced knowledge and prepare presentations and discussions of selected geological problems in Europe. In addition, the students should be able to interpret geological sketches and detailed descriptions with subsequent interpretations of selected excursion goals. Destinations for the excursion change from year to year and have previously been to Iceland, Northern Sweden, Scotland and Northern Norway.

 

Content: The excursion usually takes place over six days and will be prepared through seminars where literature is being discussed dealing with different aspects of the regional geology. Students choose a subject that they write an essay about and which they later present to the rest of the group. In addition to the essay, the students are made responsible for presenting one or more of the sites on the excursion. During the excursion, the students will responsible for writing a field diary. This will later be but together as a thematic report for a more comprehensive exploratory report. Regardless of where we are traveling, students are given a broad education in different types of deposits and landforms at their regional geological context.

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

  • identify different exogenous process environments regardless of which region visited
  • describe which geomorphological processes are and have been active in an area
  • retrieve and interpret geological data through simple fieldwork
  • present the quaternary geological history in one region based on literature studies and simple field studies
  • organize and write geological reports based on field observations

 Skills

The student can

  • conclude about process environment for different geological material deposited by various geomorphological agents
  • summarize and interpret information obtained with simple field metods
  • present and discuss the quaternary geological history of an area

General competence

The student can

  • review critical literature published on given regional quaternary geological issues
  • conduct field studies in Northern Europe
  • demonstrate the ability to work individually but also as part of a group both in the field situation and in the on an excursion

Place of Instruction

Bergen, and field course in alternating areas in Northern Europe.
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a Master¿s Programme at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
The students have to participate in a compulsory field course, and hand in a field report. Compulsory assignments are valid for 2 subsequent semesters.
Forms of Assessment
Report. The field report must be graded as pass to achieve final assessment in the course.
Grading Scale
Passed / failed. No grading.
Assessment Semester
Spring. Assessment are only provided in semesters with teaching.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and Deecember 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 Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program