Høst 2020

GEO-3118 Environmental geology - 5 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for geovitenskap

Type of course

This course is available as a single course.

Course contents

Environmental geology looks at issues related to human impact on nature like global warming, river regulation, groundwater- and ocean pollution as well as natural hazards such as landslides, floods and earthquakes. The relationship between geology and health is also considered. These themes are further explored through practical examples.

Application deadline

Single course applicants from Nordic countries: 1st June for the fall semester.

Single course applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 15th Aprilfor the fall semester.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years duration, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other programme for basis of admission.

Application code: 9371.

Objective of the course

Knowledge

The student has

a comprehensive understanding of basic geological processes and principles involved in environmental geology
knowledge of the different methods to interpret and predict environmental change.
knowledge of the potential and limitations of each method and data source.
knowledge on how to define and evaluate natural versus man-made environmental changes.

Skills

The student can

describe and analyze different types of data from man-made and naturally polluted areas.
use data and geological knowledge to determine if an area has been affected by natural or anthropogenic impact.
report environmental geological findings and formulate scholarly arguments when delivering oral/poster presentations, reporting scientific findings, and presenting data.
write a research essay on a given topic by presenting and justifying own results in the light of published studies.

General competences

The student can

perform the most important elements of scientific research projects: penetrating literature, carrying out field research, analyzing data, and communicating results to fellow students/scientists.
solve scientific problems analytically and prompt in written English and present research results orally in plenum.
work independent and in a team to solve problems related to environmental geology.
critically evaluate and judge the quality of data and conclusions presented in primary databases, research articles and scientific reports.
critically evaluate and judge the quality of data and conclusions obtained and presented in the group projects

Language of instruction

English.

Teaching methods

20 hours of lectures, 12 hours of exercises.

Assessment

4 hours written exam that counts 100 % of the final grade.

Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, where F is fail. A re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination will not be arranged.

Compulsory learning activities

Active participation in the exercises. All exercises must be approved in order to get admittance to the final exam.

Date for examination

Written test 10.12.2020

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.