GEO9440 ¨C Cryospheric Modelling

Course content

This course explores the complex and non-linear behaviour of cryosphere systems. Model equations are derived from theory, and principles of numerical methods are introduced and applied to a range of problems. These problems involve processes relevant for permafrost evolution and glacier dynamics and are solved using finite difference techniques.

Learning outcome

After taking this course you, will have knowledge of

• derivation of model equations from the theory
• principles of numerical solution techniques
• how these techniques are applied to solve the problems derived from theory
• how different models can be coupled together
• design of a simple modelling project in the subject field, deriving and critically analyzing the results
• writing a project report in the subject area

Admission to the course

GEO9440/5440 is, for most of the times when taught, given at the University of Oslo. However, occasionally the course is given in cooperation with external partners abroad and special admission requirements will apply when this is the case.

Information on where the course is given will be published in the semester folder in late autumn/spring.

When the course is taught at the University of Oslo, the following admission regulation will apply:

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers¡¯ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

When the teaching takes place through external partners, the following admission regulation will apply:

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations by contacting the Student administration at the Department of Geosciences.

The courses GEO9440 and GEO5440 have a joint admission with a limited capacity.

The applicants will be ranked after the following categories:

1. PhD-students at the University of Oslo with supervisor at the Department of Geosciences.
   

2. Master student enrolled to one of the following (non-prioritized order):

   • Geosciences (master's two years)

   • Computational Science (master's two years), programme option GEO CS.

Applicants will be ranked within each category: all applicants within category 1 are ranked before applicants in category 2. If there are space limitations in the course, available places will be given to students selected randomly among those with the same amount of ECTS credits.

Travel cost/accommodation will be covered by the project.

In addition to contacting the Student administration for registration for the course, the applicant needs to submit:

• A short application explaining the applicant's motivation, own thesis (MSc or PhD), as well as the relevance of the course for the applicant (max. one page).

The application should be sent to the Student administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no) with topic: ¡°Application letter for GEO9440/5440¡±.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in computer programming and a good basis in the course theme:

• GEO2210 ¨C Geomorphology
• GEO4410 ¨C Glacial and Periglacial Geomorphology
• GEO4420 ¨C Glaciology

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with GEO5440 ¨C Cryospheric Modelling.

Teaching

This research-oriented course with extensive computer training is an intensive course over 2-3 weeks, with lectures, seminars, tutorials, student projects, presentations and discussions.

Attendance during the complete course is mandatory.

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.

Examination

• Attendance during the complete course is mandatory to take the exam.
• A final project report counts 50% towards the final grade.
• A final oral examination counts 50% towards the final grade.

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.

It will also be counted as 1 of the 3 attempts to sit the exam for this course if you sit the exam for the following course:

• GEO5440 ¨C Cryospheric Modelling

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are?offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.

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.