Fundamental natural science tools for earth scientists

The course includes 7.5 credits at undergraduate level and can be included in a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science.

The course can be part of the following programmes:

Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences (N1GVS)

Admission to the course requires completion of the course GV1410 Geoscience: Basic course with 25% pass or an equivalent course in geoscience.

The course covers some of the main scientific concepts and tools used in Earth Sciences:

• Mathematics (algebra, arithmetic, functions, statistics and probability, differential and integral calculus, geometry, trigonometry).
• Chemistry (stoichiometry, solubility, minerals, equilibrium, acids and bases, ideal gas law, enthalpy).
• Physics (motion and forces, electromagnetic radiation, wave motion, thermodynamics, isotopes and radioactive decay.

In addition, Excel and study techniques for lifelong learning are introduced.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• use and describe the meaning of mathematical concepts and the relationships between them. 
• formulate, analyze and solve mathematical problems and evaluate chosen strategies, methods and results.
• follow, implement and evaluate mathematical reasoning.
• demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, models, theories and methods of physics and chemistry and an understanding of how these are developed.
• demonstrate knowledge of the importance of scientific tools for Earth Sciences. 

Competence and skills

• handle mathematical procedures and solve standard tasks with and without tools.
• interpret a realistic situation and design a model, use and evaluate the features and limitations of a model.
• demonstrate the ability to analyze and seek answers to physical and chemical challenges related to Earth Sciences. 
• demonstrate the ability to reflect on and evaluate chosen strategies, methods and results. 
• demonstrate the ability to plan, carry out, interpret and report experiments and observations as well as the ability to handle chemicals, materials and equipment.

Judgement and approach

• communicate scientific ideas orally, in writing and in practice.
• demonstrate the ability to use scientific tools to communicate and to review and use Earth scientific data.

The teaching consists of lectures, exercises and oral and written presentations.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English

Attendance is mandatory for all labs, report writing and exams. Participation in group work, class exercises and presentations is mandatory.

Theory - assessed through participation and weekly individual assignments, 4 credits: U/G

Exercises, group work and oral presentations - assessed by attendance and reporting, 3.5 credits: U/G

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Secton 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course's intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undrgone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at the Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaption of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, all, including compulsory parts, must be passed.

Students are given the oppotunity for a written, anonymous evaluation of the course.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be communicated both to the students who carried out the evaluation and to the students who will start the course.