Quaternary environments, processes and development

Level of Study

Master, PhD

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is to develop knowledge and a deeper insight about the geological development during the Quaternary period and how the geological records can provide us with knowledge about the environmental and climatic changes that took place during this period. This include chronology, dynamic and impact of the large ice sheets that covered the continents and the shallow continental shelves during the cold spells, but also the environmental history during the ice free periods. Stratigraphic investigations and results from a wide specter of environments, where a variety of methods have been used, will be examined and discussed. Europe and the adjacent seas is the main focus area. The principles for subdivision of stratigraphy and naming stratigraphic units will be discussed. The reading list will mainly include scientific publications. As part of the course there will be a field excursion, normally of 4 days duration.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course GEOV326 the student should be able to:

- give an account of the particular problems of the stratigraphic subdivision and correlation within the Quaternary

- express in-depth knowledge of the geological development through glacial and interglacial periods, in particular by understanding the relation between development in a variety of environments

- assess and reproduce the essence of results from Quaternary studies published in scientific journals

- Critically discuss different opinions and views concerning the geological history during the Quaternary

Required Previous Knowledge

Basic knowledge in quaternary geology, knowledge in quaternary dating methods, and palaeoclimatology

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in geology or equivalent, good knowledge in quaternary geology and paleoclima, and field and laboratory experience from quarternary geology and paleoclima.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

10 ECTS reduction for GEOV321, 5 ECTS reduction for GEOV334, 5 ETCS reduction for AG-210 (UNIS)

Access to the Course

Open to students entitled to study at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, who have met admissions requirements for Geology.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminar, 4 hours pr. week, for 15 weeks

Field trip/excursion, 4 days

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation on field trip/excursion

Forms of Assessment

Oral exam

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Spring

Department

Department of Earth Science