Introduction to Geoscience and sustainability: Surface processes, Ocesans and Climate
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 5
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- GEOV602
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Objective:
This course provides a foundational introduction to some of the key areas of geology, with a focus on Earth’s surface processes, glacial history, landscape development, oceans, climate, and human impact — including pollution, landscape alteration, and related topics. The course is specifically designed for teachers and emphasizes geoscience didactics, making it relevant for teaching both geoscience and geography.
Content:
The course is delivered online and includes pre-recorded lecture videos, reflection-based assignments, and student-led exercises. It offers a basic introduction to Earth’s history, surface processes such as erosion and mass transport, oceanic and coastal processes, glacial history, landscape development, atmosphere, climate, climate change, and sustainability.
The course includes three evening online seminars featuring reflection-based exercises and group discussions, as well as one in-person gathering that rotates annually between different cities in Norway (shared with courses GEOV601 and GEOV603). If needed, hybrid participation will be facilitated.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
The student will be able to:
- Summarize the geological history of the Earth
- Define and explain key geological concepts and terminology
- Describe various land-based surface processes
- Describe various marine and coastal processes
- Explain how different types of processes interact on Earth and the resulting products
- Explain climate and climate change, including causes, consequences, and the role of human activity
Skills
The student will be able to:
- Use basic geological terminology and forms of expression
- Identify different geological environments, landforms, and processes
- Conduct literature searches, demonstrate source criticism, and apply correct referencing
- Interpret and explain simple graphs and figures containing geological information
General competence
The student will be able to:
- Use precise geological language to describe geological processes and events
- Demonstrate critical thinking and ethical awareness related to climate, nature, and sustainability
- Work independently
- Collaborate effectively in groups
- Communicate the societal relevance of the subject
- Relate the subject matter to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Apply geoscience didactic methods to teach geoscience