Non-Nordic Geology, Excursion and Project Thesis
Summary
You will be introduced to various tectonic, metamorphic, and magmatic environments and their expression in various rock types. You will learn to study and identify those settings by detailed investigations of rocks in the field. The course consists of an excursion and project work. The fieldwork is adapted to current issues in the relevant geological area—an exciting opportunity to see new landscapes and build a greater understanding of geological processes.
About
You will be exposed to different geologic, structural and geochemical research questions in the field. You can expect to learn, using typical field equipment, to address these various questions and to identify and study different rock types. In addition, you will learn to organize multi-day field expeditions including transportation, sampling strategies and sample return. Field work includes introductory explanations by the teacher but the focus is on group work and group discussions among the students in the field to address the various research questions and develop strategies to solve them.
The course consist of two modules
1. Non-Nordic excursion (mandatory)
2. Project work
Students work in groups on geological questions. The project work is presented in writing and orally.
Teaching
The course has a classical field trip structure. Various key rock exposures will be visited at the different excursion sites. You will have introductory information on these sites either from a seminar at home and/or by an introduction in the field. In some selected sites the students will give short seminar talks. After addressing the specific research questions and discussions, the teacher will give a conclusive summary about the site. You will take samples in specific sites that you will work with in group projects back home.
You will write a report about the excursion as well as work with the collected samples in group projects. These projects will be conducted in small groups and you will apply optical and electron microscopy, ICP MS and Raman spectroscopy to solve specific research questions. The results of these projects will be presented in short oral or poster presentations.
Having completed these assignments, you will be able to plan and conduct field excursions, to study rocks in the field including sampling strategies as well as to formulate scientific research strategies to investigate the collected samples in the lab.
Language of instruction
English
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires 120 credits within Earth Sciences with focus on geology or equivalent.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
If you study Earth Science, you have good career opportunities both in Sweden and abroad. You can choose to work in industry, as a consultant, project manager or in public administration.
Our former students work, for example, with natural resource management, environmental issues and urban planning, you also have great opportunities to focus on the particular area you are interested in.
Facilities
The Department of Earth Sciences' premises are located in central Gothenburg on Campus Medicinareberget. We are located in the Natrium building, which was inaugurated in 2023 and has state-of-the-art labs and lecture halls. Natrium brings together students and researchers in the Natural Science fields of Biology, Molecular biology, Chemistry, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences and Conservation.
Exchange opportunities
If you are studying Earth Science at the University of Gothenburg, there are good opportunities for exchange studies during your studies. This is often seen as a good asset when applying for jobs, as many jobs require international collaboration.
We have over 100 agreements within Erasmus and other exchange programs with universities around the world, both within and outside Europe.
