Hydrology, Ground Water and Geohazards

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This course introduces topics in physical geography related to the interaction between water, climate, landscape and society. It aims to give the student a better understanding of the scientific aspects of water flow, including some calculations and fundamental physics and chemistry, and how human activity and climate change influence hydrological systems and catchments on different spatial and temporal scales. The course focuses on the dynamic processes in nature related to runoff, and the objective is to increase the ability of participants to identify and reflect on the interaction between nature and society in hydrological processes.

The course also aims to disseminate an understanding of how water flows above and below the ground and how human activity can influence the flow conditions. Students will gain experience with collecting, analyzing and presenting hydrological data. Furthermore, the course will discuss triggering mechanisms of hydro-meteorological geohazards and the impact on society by fluvial- and slope-related processes following predicted anthropogenic climate changes with increased precipitation, higher sea level and extreme weather events. We will also discuss how society can use planning and management to adapt to water-related problems. The course will have a focus on a Norwegian 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 explain important concepts, theories and processes in hydrogeology
  • can outline and discuss how climate change and human activity influence drainage above and below ground
  • can explain the influence of climate change on geohazard risks and discuss the impact on society
  • is familiar with research on geohazards and extreme weather events
  • can update their knowledge about ground and surface water hydrology and climate-related geohazards

Skills

The student

  • can assess how human activity, land use and climate change may influence catchment hydrology
  • can apply knowledge to define a water-related academic problem and find literature to elaborate on that topic
  • has acquired skills in discharge gauging
  • can use precise professional language to describe and discuss processes and problems in hydrogeology, hydrology and geohazards

General competence

The student

  • can communicate current issues in hydrogeology, hydrology and geohazards and relate them to scientific literature
  • can exchange opinions with others with a background in the field and provide constructive comments on their work
  • can write a field report in small groups with adequate analysis and illustrations

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge

GEO110, GEO111 and GEO113 or equivalent knowledge

Earth Science students: GEOV101 and GEOV102 

Students with an equivalent background to the prior knowledge requirement can contact the Department (studieveileder.geog@uib.no)

Access to the Course
Open to students with required previous knowledge.
Teaching and learning methods

1-2 lectures/seminars á 2 hours pr. week

Total: 14-20 lectures/seminars.

2-4 days excursion/field course

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
  • Three seminars (announced at Mitt UiB)
  • Participation in excursion and field course
  • Forms of Assessment

    The assessment comprises three parts:

    • field report (25%)
    • multiple choice test (25 %)
    • oral exam (50 %).

    The oral exam includes a 10-minute presentation on a chosen topic. The field report will be a joint work of 2-3 students. All parts of the assessment must be passed in the same semester.

    Grades for each assessment part and final grade will be published in Studentweb.

    The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.

    The exam can be submitted in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

    Grading Scale
    A-F
    Assessment Semester

    Assessment in teaching semester

    Retake exam:

    Exam part 1: Field report:

    Students with valid absence as defined in the UiB regulations § 5-5 can apply for an extended submission deadline to studieveileder.geog@uib.no. The application must be submitted before the deadline for submission has expired.

    Exam part 2: Multiple choice test:

    A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to § 5-5. If there is a retake exam for students with valid absence, all students with valid compulsory activity can sign up for the retake exam. If you have the right to take a retake exam and a retake exam is arranged for students with valid absences, you can sign up yourself in Studentweb after January 15.

    Exam part 3: Oral exam:

    A retake exam will be arranged for students with valid absence. Students with valid absence as defined in the UiB regulations § 5-5 can apply for new oral exam.

    Course Evaluation
    All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.