About this course

The Quaternary (~2.6 million years) was characterized by dramatic changes in climate over multiple glacial-interglacial cycles. This course provides an introduction into how we can reconstruct the history of environmental change, over the Quaternary, using a range of techniques used to reconstruct past environments from a number of archives (eg, glaciers, sediments, pollen). The course has a particular focus on the Late Quaternary in the Arctic and sub-Arctic in the Northern Hemisphere and will enhance students' understanding through a series of lectures and seminars which uses up-to-date research papers addressing these topics.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student shall have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge: The students should have a deeper understanding of the cause and effects of Quaternary environmental change. In particular, discuss the long-term and recent climatic changes that have occurred in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, consequences of long-term and current sea-level change, relative and numerical dating techniques along with their uncertainties, as well as a number of other proxies widely used to reconstruct environmental change (eg, glaciers, sediments, pollen).

Skills: This course will help you develop skills to enhance your employability potential and career development through:

  • Discussing scientific studies published in international research journals.
  • Engage in inquiry-led learning through exploring topics of long-term environmental and climate change.
  • Developing your communication skills and portfolio by delivering presentations, and a written report.
  • Developing good practice of contributing to and working in groups through practical exercises
  • Encouraging you to think critically about the ways in which knowledge is applied and communicated in the media, literature and online

General competence:

  • Communicate subject matter and the relevance of Quaternary geology and contemporary climate change both to specialists and the general public.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, seminars, debates, group work, submitted papers.

  • Teaching support

    The course coordinator will be available for questions during office hours. Please email for an appointment (danni.pearce@nmbu.no)

    Specific guidance on assignments will be provided during the course.

  • Syllabus

    Textbook within paleoenvironment/paleoclimate, TBA.

    Scientific papers.

  • Prerequisites

    GEO210 or equivalent physical geography courses.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Physical geography, Paleo- environmental change, Sedimentology.

  • Assessment method

    Overall rating:

    • Portfolio assessment counts for 40% of the final grade. Must be written in English.
    • Final written exam is in English and all answers to the exam must be written in English, and counts for 60% of the final grade.

    Both parts must be passed. Grading system: A-E/Not passed.

    Students who have previously passed one or more components of the overall assessment in the course do not need to complete these components again when retaking the course.



    Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: A2 No calculator, other aids as specified Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Written exam: K1 - No use of AI.

    Portfolio: K2 - Specific use of AI. AI can be used for idea generation and language proofreading. The use of AI should be described with a brief explanation of which programs you have used and how the program is used in the text.

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

    Mandatory activity: K2 - Specific use of AI. AI can be used for idea generation and language proofreading. The use of AI should be described with a brief explanation of which programs you have used and how the program is used in the text.

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

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner participates in the assessment process.

  • Mandatory activity

    One submitted paper.

    Portfolio submissions and the written exam must be written/answered in English.

  • Notes

    Portfolio submissions and the written exam must be written/answered in English.

    If there are few students, the course may either be postponed by one year or offered with an alternative teaching arrangement.

  • Teaching hours

    Seminars, discussions and lectures: 24 hours.

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science