Field and Laboratory Methods in Physical Geography

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Methods used in physical geography and quaternary geology are constantly developing, and new technology is providing better and more advanced tools for studying geomorphic processes and sediments on the Earth's surface. The objectives of this course are to introduce different methods used for conducting research projects in physical geography and quaternary geology, and to enable students to meet the practical challenges associated with field- and/or laboratory-based research.

The course will introduce different methods for studying landforms and sedimentary deposits (quaternary geological mapping, drone photogrammetry, ground penetrating radar, LiDAR, echo sounder, CHIRP etc.) and demonstrate how geological samples are collected in the field (sediment cores, soil samples etc.). Samples collected in the field will subsequently be analysed in the sediment laboratory using key methods (magnetic-, geochemical-, and physical sediment parameters, etc.) to characterise sediments deposited by different geomorphological agents. The students will also get an introduction to processing and visualisation of geographical information and geophysical data collected during field work (ground penetrating radar data, drone photographs, bathymetric data, map data, etc.). Some key statistical methods and visualisation of quantitative data will also be covered. Software used in the course includes ArcGIS Pro, RadExplorer, R, PiX4D, and Excel.

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:

  • has an overview of the most important field methods used in quaternary geology and physical geography.
  • has knowledge about which techniques are suitable for analysing different sediment types in the laboratory based on given research questions.
  • knows how to retrieve and present geophysical data collected in the field.
  • knows how to present and interpret geographical data in the context of a research project.

Skills

The student:

  • can plan and carry out fieldwork based on given research questions.
  • can use different types of sampling equipment to retrieve lake sediment cores.
  • can process and interpret information obtained with various geophysical methods.
  • can interpret quaternary geological maps, seismic profiles and time series.
  • can present and discuss data collected using different field methods.
  • can interpret the genesis and depositional environment for different types of geological samples.

General competence

The student:

  • can assess which field techniques that are suitable to solve various quaternary geological research questions.
  • can plan and carry out field work in accordance with current health and safety guidelines.
  • can plan and carry out work in the laboratory in accordance with current health and safety guidelines.
  • can demonstrate the ability to work individually and in groups in the field and in the laboratory.

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
GEO110, GEO215, GEO212 and GEO291, or similar background.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

GEOV226 (10 ECTS)

GEOV336 (10 ECTS)

Access to the Course
Open to students at the master's level that meet the pre-requisite requirement.
Teaching and learning methods
  • Seminars/lectures: weekly (except weeks with field- and laboratory work)
  • Field excursion: Three days
  • Lab work: Three days
  • Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

    Reflection note, group presentation, poster presentation, and participation in seminars, field exercises and laboratory work.

    Compulsory requirements can only be taken once and are valid from the semester they have been completed and accepted.

    Forms of Assessment

    Portfolio assessment of:

    • Multiple choice test/quiz - 30 %
    • Poster - 20 %
    • Term paper - 50 %

    All parts of the portfolio must be accepted in the same semester.

    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
    Grading scale A-F
    Assessment Semester

    Assessment in teaching semester.

    Retake exam:

    Multiple choice test/quiz:

    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 a retake exam is arranged for students with valid absences, you can sign up yourself in Studentweb after January 15.

    Term paper:

    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.

    Reading List
    The reading list will be ready before 1 July for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester.
    Course Evaluation
    All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
    Programme Committee
    The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses. 
    Course Administrator
    The Department of Geography at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course