Objectives:
The course aims to provide the student the knowledge and skills to complete a Quaternary geologic field survey, prepare a Quaternary geological map and write a final report from field investigations.

Content:
Different topics from the curriculum literature to the subject form the basis for a group thematic report presented by the students at a seminar a few days before departure. During the field course, an introduction to Quaternary geological field methods and mapping techniques will be presented. The first and last part of the field course consists of excursion to selected Quaternary geological sites in Nordfjord, Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. At several locations, students conduct individual investigations either individually or in smaller groups. Students write individual diary reports from the excursion days that provide the basis for updating the group-based theme report. During the survey part, students are divided into smaller groups that prepare Quaternary geological maps of a selected area. Quaternary geological deposits are described and their genesis is discussed and interpreted. The mapping part (3 days) forms the basis for a group report, submitted at the end of the field course. Both the group report and the theme report form the basis for whether the student passes the subject or not.

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 key glacial geological terms and definitions
• can explain how the temperature regime (polar/temperate) in a glacier affects erosion and deposition
• can explain how small-scale erosion and deposition forms are created
• can explain how glacial landscapes are formed
• can explain the genesis and classification of glacially deposited landforms
• can explain how melt water deposits can be used to reconstruct ice sheets
• can explain how to reconstruct floods in the past
• has acquired knowledge about the Quaternary geology and single localities in areas that are visited during the field course

Skills
The student can:

• make independent field observations
• know geological processes and glacial geological erosion and accumulation forms
• recognise areas affected by polar and temperate glaciers and ice sheets
• describe and interpret glacial erosion and deposition forms in the field
• write individual field diary
• prepare and report field data in writing and oral, and display data graphically
• justify interpretations
• prepare a Quaternary geological map according to a set standard
• interpret graphs and figures
• conduct searches for relevant literature as well as refer to literature and set up reference/literature list

General competence
The student can

• use a precise geological language for describing and discussing geological processes and events
• recognize, evaluate and communicate humanity's role in, our independence of, and impact on the geosystem
• demonstrate ability to function individually and ethically together with fellow students
• conduct fieldwork during the excursion in accordance with GEO/UiB's HSE guidelines

• Portfolio evaluation (theme report and field report)
• Individual oral examination

The student coordinator can be contacted here:

Studierettleiar@geo.uib.no