Courses: GEOV103 Geochemical Systems: Building Blocks of Earth and Life - Autumn 2024
Credits
10.0ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Bachelor
Language of Instruction
English. Parts of the course will be taught in Norwegian.
Teaching semester
Fall
Place of Instruction
Bergen
Objectives and Content
Earth is a dynamic planet with four major systems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Chemical elements and compounds interact and cycle through these different spheres, and ultimately influence the composition and evolution of our planet and the life living on it.
In this course, students explore the building blocks of these geochemical systems, from the scale of an atomic nucleus and cells of living organisms to the minerals that make up the lithosphere. It aims to provide the fundamental knowledge required to understand interactions between Earth¿s systems and the evolution of these through geological time.
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 the origin of the chemical elements and their representation in the periodic table
- Differentiate between atoms, ions and isotopes and examine their distribution on Earth
- Explain why and how chemical elements combine to form minerals
- Recognize and describe the basic properties and chemistry of rock-forming minerals
- Explain the basic principles of the evolution and diversity of life
- Describe the fundamental molecular principles of life
Skills
The student is able to:
- Use the periodic table as a tool to predict element behavior
- Calculate simple mineral formulas from geochemical analyses
- Identify and describe the rock-forming minerals in hand specimen
- Construct simple phylogenetic trees from real data
General competence
The student can:
- Evaluate and compile information from sources online
- Effectively use graphical and visual aids to present findings
- Use precise scientific language to communicate results
- Assess uncertainty using resampling
- Demonstrate the ability to function individually and in co-operation with others
- Give constructive feedback and make productive use of peer-feedback
Required Previous Knowledge
None.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
KJEM109/KJEM110
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
10 ECTS overlap with GEOL103
Teaching and learning methods
The course includes teaching activities in a team-based seminar room for 6 hours per week. Another 6 hours per week are expected to be used on self-study and portfolio work.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
It is mandatory to attend and submit assignments for all course activities. We aim to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to engage in the mandatory activities in this course.
Approved compulsory assignments are valid only in the teaching semester.
Forms of Assessment
Portfolio assessment (assignments, report with peer review, presentations, quizzes, etc.).
It is not possible to appeal the grade of this portfolio assessment. This is because a large part of the assessment in this course takes place in the classroom and would not be possible to reevaluate.
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
Assessment is offered only in the actual semester teaching is given.
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.
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 MittUiB, 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.
Contact Information
This course is administered by the Department of Earth Science.
Contact mailto:studieveileder@geo.uib.nostudieveileder@geo.uib.no