Marine Environmental Geology
Summary
This course is aimed at those interested in the links between human impact and processes in the water column and sediments, with a particular focus on the role of sediments in environmental monitoring.
A large part of the course is conducted in small groups, which analyse larger environmental datasets and write professional reports.
About
The course combines theory and applied studies in marine environmental geology, hydrography and coastal oceanography, with a particular focus on how human activities affect sediment transport, sediments and the seafloor.
Students explore the links between anthropogenic impacts and geological, physical, chemical, geochemical and biological processes in the water column and sediments. Examples include shipping, dredging and disposal of dredged material, bottom trawling, marine restoration and deep-sea mining. The role of recent sediment transport in environmental monitoring is a central theme.
The course includes a one-day research cruise with R/V Skagerak. Students collect sediment cores and conduct seafloor video transects along the shipping route from Gothenburg towards a dredged-material disposal site, linking classroom concepts directly to observations and sampling at sea.
Much of the course is carried out in small teams. Students work with real environmental datasets from the Swedish west coast and from major European and international research programs. They combine sedimentological, hydrographic, chemical and biological information to assess human impacts and prepare professional reports similar to those produced by environmental consultancies and research institutes.
Mapping methods and modern technologies for investigating the seafloor are also covered.
Students gain practical skills in marine fieldwork, environmental data analysis, interpretation of human impacts, seafloor mapping and scientific reporting, providing relevant experience for careers in environmental consultancy, marine management, government agencies and research.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
150 credits in the main field of Earth Sciences or Marine Sciences is required. Student with an equivalent education may be given admission to the course after examination.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
Facilities
The Gothenburg region offers proximity to a wide range of marine environments and our facilities include research stations and vessels.
