GEO1100 – Evolution of the Earth
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course provides an introduction to the Earth’s evolution from the formation of the Solar System to the Anthropocene. Central themes include the structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, the formation of the ocean floor and continents, the rock cycle,?paleoclimate, including hothouses and?ice ages. You will also?learn about the key processes controlling the Earth's climate and the composition of the atmosphere.?In addition, we focus on interactions between inner and outer forces and the exchange of mass and energy between the Earth's spheres. We will furthermore discuss the?societal role of geosciences today, including the UN sustainable development goals. Finally, you will be introduced to field methods and get experience with academic writing.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you will be able to
- describe the main developments in the evolution of the Earth
- outline and discuss?the connections between the Earth's spheres, inner and outer forces, the geological evolution of the Earth, climatic zones and the requirements for life?
- use mathematical?descriptions for?a selection of key Earth processes
- evaluate the basis for reconstructing the climatic and environmental history
- reflect on the effects and consequences of human activities on?the Earth system
- present the characteristics and role of the geosciences in a sustainable development
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Special admission requirements
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2)
And in addition one of these:
- Mathematics R2
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
Mathematics R2 was a requirement up until and including the study year 2021/2022, as part of a trial arrangement. From and including the study year 2022/2023, Mathematics R2 is no longer a requirement.
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course includes a compulsory field course and excursions. A health and safety course for safety in the field must be passed before you can go on these:
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with GEO1010 – Physical geography (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with GEO1020 – Geological processes and materials (discontinued).
- 3 credits overlap with GEO1000 – Klima og b?rekraft: Naturlige prosesser og menneskets p?virkning.
Teaching
3x2 hours of lectures in combination with exercises, computer lab and group work every week.?Up to 4?reports?must be approved?in order to sit the final written examination. An oral group presentation on an optional topic will count towards the final grade.
Up to 5?days mandatory fieldwork whereupon a field report should be submitted that counts towards the final grade. The field trip has a mandatory information meeting early in the semester.?
Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the Student administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no).
We reserve the right to change the teaching?form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.
General information about excursions at the Department?of Geosciences
As?the?teaching involves laboratory and/or fieldwork, you should consider taking out a separate travel and personal risk insurance.?Read about your insurance cover as a student.
Cost of taking the course
Participation in the excursion is mandatory. The excursion has a fee of NOK 150 per day (if accommodation).
Examination
- Up to 4?reports must be approved individually before you can sit the final written examination.?
- Up to 2 written field?reports count for a total of 30% towards the final grade.?
- An oral group presentation counts 10% towards the final grade.
- A final written examination counts 60% towards the final grade.?
- All exam?parts must be passed separately in order for you to pass the course.
Mandatory assignments are valid for 5 semesters starting from the semester they were approved the first time.
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Examination support material
Language of examination
The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.