Field and Laboratory Methods in Physical Geography

The primary objective of this field and laboratory course is to provide an introduction to different methods used for conducting research projects in physical geography. In the field, students will learn how to recognize landforms, describe and measure Earth surface processes, and collect geological and hydrological samples; in the lab they will learn to analyse their data and interpret their results. Students will also learn different methods for quantifying the Earth’s surface and how to display and analyse these data using ArcGIS and other relevant programs.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• has introductory knowledge of and experience with state-of-the-art tools, technology, and field methods for capturing and processing various geographical, geological, and hydrological field data;
• is able to identify common slope, marine, coastal, fluvial, glacial, and periglacial landforms, sediments, and processes in arctic and alpine environments;
• has knowledge of how to organize and carry out field-, lab-, and computer-work that will enable them to answer a given research question;
• understands the difference between data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and how to present measurement errors and work within the limits of their data.

Skills:

• is able to develop a research project that falls under one or more sub-disciplines of physical geography and determine the type of data and methods required to answer their research questions;
• is able to follow their research plans and collect data during a compulsory, 3-day field trip;
• is able to conduct simple lab experiments for the purpose of characterizing basic sedimentological properties of their samples;
• is able to retrieve, process, create, and analyze a digital elevation model of their field area;
• is able to summarize and communicate their findings in a report or presentation;​

General competence:

• is able to work in teams to develop research questions, conduct fieldwork, analyse data, and present their results in written and oral forms.

Up to 10 hours lectures. Students will conduct preparatory fieldwork at Dragvoll Campus, and possibly other field sites in Trondheim. The three-day field course will take place in the Oppdal area.

Please note that mandatory activities and lectures will start prior to the registration deadline.

Teaching will only be given if a sufficient number of students register for the course and if the Department has sufficient teaching resources. See www.ntnu.edu/studies/courses for the most recent information on the courses not offered.