Palaeoclimatology
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Autumn
- Course code
- GEOV222
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
The objective of the course is to obtain an integrated view of global climatic patterns throughout geologic time and to gain an understanding of the forcing mechanisms associated with these changes. This course examines the operation of the global climate system during the Cenozoic, comparing records of past and present climate change considering how Earth's climate history can inform and constrain potential future climate changes. Case studies of past climatic variability on tectonic to interannual timescales are investigated. The course incorporates journal articles and web resources to teach students through lectures, seminar discussions, and in-class activities.
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 how and why Earth's climate has changed during the Cenozoic (e.g. on tectonic, orbital, down to societally relevant timescales)
- can explain the methods used to determine paleoclimate, illustrate their usage and describe their limitations
Skills
The student
- can perform quantitative analyses and apply simple box models (e.g. interpret isotope data quantitatively, use a box model to explore climate-carbon interactions)
- can summarize observations/data/principles graphically
- can recognize and discuss the factors that determine global and regional climate, including carbon cycling, plate tectonics, solar radiation, and ocean-atmospheric circulation
- can analyze paleoclimate data and draw logical inferences about past climate change
General competence
The student
- can reflect on, evaluate and communicate the Earths climate history and the role of humans in the climate system
- can demonstrate the ability to function individually, in cooperation and ethically with others
- can present, discuss, and critically evaluate primary literature
ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Undergraduate course
Semester of Instruction
Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a programme of study at The Faculty of Science and Technology.
www.uib.no/en/nt/52767/admission-faculty-science-and-technology
Teaching and learning methods
The course includes lectures, seminars and class exercises.
Lecture, 2 hours per week for 11 weeks
Exercises and/or seminars 2 hours per week for 11 weeks
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance at practicals and seminars. Approved obligatory activity is valid for 2 semesters, including the semester it was approved.
Forms of Assessment
Labs, practicals, and active participation in seminars (40 %) and 4h written exam (60 %).
Digital examination: please visit www4.uib.no/en/for-students/exams-and-submissions/types-of-exams-and-hand-ins/in-person-exam
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Written exams are organized each semester. In semesters without teaching, the written exam is arranged early in the semester. Notice: by retaking the written exam, the grade from the exercises will stay unchanged.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.
Examination Support Material
A calculator that conforms to the faculty regulations.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Coordinator
The course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB, or you may contact studierettleiar@geo.uib.no
Course Administrator
The Faculty for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program