GEO100 Geology

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Jan Marten Huizenga

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:No limit.

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:Lectures with preparation and follow-up work (50 x 2) and supplementary, individual study of sections of the syllabus: 70 hours. Exercises with preparation and follow-up work (30 x 2): 60 hours. Excursion with a report: 10 hours. Preparation for and the completion of the rock test and final exam: 60 hours. Total 250 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel.

About this course

Lectures: Stellar evolution and the formation of elements. Structure of the earth. Overview of the formation of geological material as seen in connection with the internal and external processes and illustrated by Norwegian examples. Details on surface processes (weathering, erosion, transport, sedimentation) and internal processes (in light of plate tectonics) seen as a function of geologic time and space. Relative and absolute dating of geological processes. Highlights of the Norwegian geological history through 3 billion years. The shaping of today's landforms in Norway and the distribution of the surficial deposits by water and ice through the youngest geological time (the Quaternary period). The role of geological science in energy and climate change.

Exercises: Common minerals, rock species, fossils and surficial deposits. Outdoor exercise in the area around NMBU. Read and interpret geological maps (Quaternary geological and bedrock maps). Compulsory project on compilation of geo-data and a one-day excursion.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: After completing the course, the students get an understanding for geology as the basis of our natural fundament. Students will have knowledge about the Earth's materials and development, understanding of geological processes and recognition of the importance of proper geo-resource management. The students will get familiar with a geologist's way to think and approach nature where changes happen in times and spaces of vast dimensions, and learn about geological background data (maps, databases).

Skills: Basic knowledge of materials and processes will be applied to the geologic history of Norway and to the interpretation of geological maps as tool in overall resource management, where geology is important for e.g. use of non-renewable and renewable resources, vegetation, plant production and land use.

  • Geology is an experience-based science where lectures and exercises complement each other. The lectures are not only providing facts, but also introduce the student to the geologist's way of thinking time and space of large dimensions. In exercises students get the necessary skills for geological materials (minerals, rocks and soils), and use of Norwegian geological maps (bedrock and soil) and geo-databases. During preparation for the rock test and the final exam, geological materials and maps are at the student's disposal. Outdoor exercise and excursion are the only geological field experience. Canvas is the principal communication tool.
  • Canvas. Special hours of advising before the rock test and final examination.
  • Total assessment:

    • Portfolio assessment: Rock test (in October/November) counting 30%. In case of insufficient grade up to two new attempts during the semester. Otherwise on request, one more attempt of improvement which will be counted.
    • Final written examination (3.5 hours) in exam period counts 70%.

    The student has to pass both examination parts.

  • External examiner participates in preparing the examination questions and sensor guidelines in the course.
  • Participation on excursion and submitted report medio October.
  • Parts of the lectures will be held in english.

    Introductory courses in geology/physical geography that can replace GEO100 are given at most universities in Norway and abroad. GEO100 (or equivalent course from other university) is a prerequisite for all other GEO courses at NMBU.

  • 50 hours lectures, 30 hours exercises, 8 hours (1 day) excursion. Other (e.g. e-mail contact): maximum 1/2 hour per student.
  • Letter grades
  • Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)