About this course

The purpose of the course is to give students practical experience in and knowledge of the most common methods used in groundwater exploration and pollution control. The course emphasizes exploration and testing methods for the purpose of finding and utilizing groundwater resources, and also gives an introduction to pollution studies and control. Several methods and approaches are involved, such as (but not restricted to) field reconnaissance and water sampling, land surveillance to determine geographic coordinates, groundwater sampling to delineate solute transport pathways and contribution, piezometers and groundwater logging, geophysical exploration by electrical resistivity tomography, ground-penetrating radar sounding and occationally seismic refraction, test drilling and sounding, measure aquifer properties by infiltration tests, slug tests and pumping test, data analysis and reporting.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student will learn how to use common methods for investigating groundwater in the field. The processing of data gives the student a basis for evaluating the value and uncertainty of such methods. The student will learn which methods can be used in practical studies of groundwater, where the aims of the investigations can be of different nature. The student will get an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods. He/she will also learn how to evaluate aquifer properties and groundwater flow. At the end of the course, the student should be able to analyse the groundwater situation at a specific location based on available maps and National databases and know which field methods can be applied for more in depth knowledge about the system.

Skills:

The following methods are included: Surface mapping, infiltration tests, sounding, ram drilling, installation of piezometer, logging of groundwater level, pumping tests, geophysical methods, pollution considerations, groundwater quality- field methods. The course should make the student capable of conducting groundwater investigations as a basis for: A) drinking water production and pollution control B) ecosystem and water balance assessment and C) geotechnical considerations. The student should obtain an overall understanding of necessary field exploration for sustainable groundwater management.

General competence

Collaboration in groups, organize/structure data, log coordinates, report writing, oral presentation.

  • Learning activities

    The students work in groups with participation from different educational institutions in the same group. Thus, students with different backgrounds can benefit from each other's knowledge. We start the course by familiarizing ourselves with the study area. Each group has a sub-area where they are responsible for investigating the area with the methods taught in the course, together with supervisors they will discuss why the methods are relevant. The day is divided as follows: morning practice, afternoon practice. Processing of data in the evenings. The students participate in the discussion about where the various methods should be used, staff from the institutions teach the methods they are most familiar with. In this way, the students come in contact with experts in different fields of groundwater and the teachers present the same information to all the groups.

  • Teaching support

    Course material, including instructions for different methods will be available on the educational platform, CANVAS, presentations given as introduction will also be made available here.

  • Syllabus

    Written material will be found on Canvas.

  • Prerequisites

    GEO100, GEO220 or equivalent.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    GEO210

  • Assessment method

    Assignment: Report: 100%. Grading system: Pass/Not pass.

    Assignment - Report Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

    K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The course responsible from UiO and NMBU evaluate the work.

  • Mandatory activity

    Participation at introductory lecture given in April-May, and 10 days at field course in June. Any absence must be approved by the course manager. The students must write a report based on the fieldwork that has been carried out and the group present the results from their areas, as well as putting the knowledge gained during the course in a hydrogeological context.

  • Notes

    Students who want to take the course must apply for admission in Studentweb no later than April 1st. After that, the places in the course will be distributed.

    GEO221 runs over two weeks in the June block. The course location may vary from one year to another. Exact dates and location to be announced later on Canvas. A kickoff meeting will be held before the exam period in May.

    The course is dependent on drivers license among the participating students to drive rented cars for the field work.

  • Teaching hours

    At the introductory lecture, information will be given on practical aspects of the course and on relevant preparations for the field part of the course. During the two weeks of the field course in June, you can count on 1-2 thematic assignments per day. Students must also expect evening work with data processing and report writing along the way. Some preparatory work must be expected in addition to follow-up work in the next few days after the teaching has ended.

  • Preferential right

    B-MILJØ, M-MILJØ, It is assumed that students with a Master's thesis in Hydrogeology take the course.

  • Reduction of credits

    5 ECTS against GEO221

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science