GE478 Fjord Processes

Contents and structure

The Fjord processes course involves abiotic and biotic processes that dominate in fjord ecosystems. Students are introduced to basic hydrography, focussing on physical processes and chemical properties of fjord waters. Connections are made with nutrient flows, biological production, and biodiversity at all ecosystem levels, from microorganisms to marine mammals. With a basic understanding of the ecosystem dynamics and the natural variability in time and between different fjord systems, impacts from climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic stressors are discussed.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student should

• know and describe the most essential hydrographical processes in fjords
• understand and explain how fjord hydrography is influenced by natural processes and topographies
• have basic knowledge of the dominating fjord biota, their adaptations to the fjord environments, and their ecological interactions
• have basic knowledge about hydrographical and biological sampling equipment that are used to investigate fjord ecosystems
• understand and discuss how climate change and anthropogenic activities impact fjord ecosystems
• know how fjord sediments and biota can be used to reconstruct environmental change
• know how abiotic and biotic quality elements are used to assess ecological and chemical conditions in fjords

Skills

The student should be able to

• analyse and interpret hydrographic, chemical, and biological data from fjords
• use different methods to identify fjord organisms
• use different methods to assess ecological and chemical (pollution) conditions in fjords

General competence

The student should be able to

• read and understand scientific reports and papers on fjord hydrography and fjord biology/ecology
• work in teams and discuss interdisciplinary environmental topics
• combine methods to plan for and analyse research questions
• communicate and present research, analyses, and conclusions clearly, both written and orally

Entry requirements

90 ECTS within earth sciences, environmental sciences, or life sciences, or similar study directions.

Recommended previous knowledge

It will be an advantage to have completed the following courses (or equivalent knowledge):

• GE476 Geological Aspects of Western Norway
• GE477 Glaciers and Ecology

Teaching methods

The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, field excursions, laboratory exercises/demonstrations, and project work.

Students must be prepared to pay for their own food during fieldwork and excursions, according to the HVL rules and regulations on accommodation and travel expenses.

Compulsory learning activities

Mandatory learning activities in the form of:

• approved mandatory attendance on two field excursions, one data seminar, one museum-/or industry excursion
• one oral presentation of a scientific paper
• one oral presentation of the group assignment exam

The mandatory learning activities must be approved by the specified deadlines to be allowed to take the exam. The activities are valid for four semesters.

Assessment

Part 1: School exam, 2 hours, counts 50% of the final grade.

Part 2: Written group-based assignment, counts 50% of the final grade.

The assignment should be 4000 +/- 10% words. Up to 1 x 45 min of guidance on a draft assignment will be offered. To be eligible for guidance, the draft assignment must be submitted within the given deadline.

Grading scale A-F, where F corresponds to failed.

Both parts must be passed to receive a grade in the course. If one part is not passed, that part can be retaken separately.

Examination support material

Part 1: A dictionary in the student's native language is allowed during the school exam.

Part 2: All aids are permitted for the written assignment if referenced properly. For more information about Artificial intelligence (AI), please see Submission of home exams and assignments.

More about examination support material