Master Level Field Course in Physical Geography

This course aims to give the student knowledge and skills to independently perform a field investigation in physical geography/quaternary geology, make a quaternary geological map and write a summarizing professional report based on the results from the investigation. To prepare the students ahead of the field course, the students will either alone or as part of a small group, work out a thematic report based on literature studies. The different thematic reports will be presented by the students on a seminar a few days prior to the field course.

During the field course the students will be given an introduction to relevant field methods and mapping techniques in physical geography/quaternary geology. The first and last parts of the field course consist of an excursion to selected localities in Nordfjord, Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. On some of the localities the students will either alone or in small groups perform minor field investigations and reports which may complement the thematic group reports.

Under supervision, the students will work in small groups to carry out a field-based research project focussed on quaternary geological mapping in a selected area. Quaternary deposits will be described and their formation will be discussed and interpreted. Based on the field project (3 full days) a report is to be submitted at the end of the field course.

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 central glaciological terms and definitions.
• can explain how the temperature regime (polar/temperate) in the glacier may have an impact on erosional and depositional landforms.
• can explain how small-scale landforms are formed by either erosion or accumulation.
• can explain how glacial erosional landforms have been formed.
• can explain how depositional glacial landforms are formed and classified.
• can explain how glaciofluvial deposits and landforms can be used to reconstruct continental ice sheets.
• can explain how past river floods may be reconstructed.
• has knowledge about the quaternary geology and the various localities we visit during the field course.

Skills

The student

• can do independent field observations and use a field notebook.
• can recognize geological processes and describe and interpret landforms formed by glacial geological erosion and accumulation in the field.
• can recognize areas influenced by either polar or temperate glaciers.
• can recognize glaciofluvial deposits and landforms and know how they can be used to reconstruct continental ice sheets.
• can reconstruct past river floods.
• can analyse and plot quantitative data using methods appropriate for the field investigation.
• can make a quaternary geological map for the field area based on a given standard.

General competence

The student

• can perform a field project in accordance with the guidelines for proper behaviour and safety at the University of Bergen.
• can write a field report either alone or in a small group by use of a professional language and terms used in physical geography/geology.
• can interpret and produce graphs and figures.
• can argue for interpretations and make adequate analysis by putting own work into a wider context by finding and properly referring to relevant literature.
• can acknowledge, evaluate and communicate man´s role and influence on the geosystem.