GEO-3118 Environmental geology - 5 stp

Environmental geology looks at the interaction between humans and the geologic environment. The course builds on the student's prior geological knowledge and aims to give an overview of environmental problems and challenges in geosciences.

This course will explore issues relating to pollution, natural hazards, climate change, and methods for environmental monitoring. The course will touch upon the Anthropocene and the UN Sustainable Development goals. These themes are further explored through practical examples.

The course consists of overview and seminar presentations.

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.

Knowledge

The student has

• a comprehensive understanding of basic earth systems 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 independently 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 given projects