Program Overview

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Program Overview

The MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics is designed to enable students to independently organize and carry out geographical fieldwork and to analyze, evaluate, document, and communicate the results of a field-based scientific study.

Program Details

Content

The course consists of three parts:

• Theoretical and methodological studies, classroom teaching, and preparation for fieldwork
• 10 days of fieldwork
• Processing of data, report writing, and possibly additional classroom teaching

Learning Outcome

• Knowledge: Design, organize, and carry out fieldwork for a scientific study and analyze, evaluate, document, and communicate the results of the study
• Skills:
  • Identify, propose, and communicate suggestions for solving more complex scientific problems
  • Critically evaluate a choice of methods and propose procedures aimed at investigating and assessing the accuracy and possible sources of error of a method
  • Evaluate the suitability of a specific method for investigating a scientific problem
  • Compile results from several methods and apply these for discussion and evaluation of the results
• Competences:
  • Use scientifically-correct language, present scientific arguments and justifications, participate in scientific discussions, and communicate science at various levels
  • Integrate, evaluate, discuss, and put into perspective theoretical, methodological, and empirical choices

Literature

Please see the course page for literature details.

Recommended Academic Qualifications

BSc in Geography and Geoinformatics or equivalent is recommended.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures and a 10-day field trip.

Remarks

• It is only possible to take part in one Field and Methods course per student during the MSc programme.
• Students shall pay for their own travel to and from the field-work area, as well as entry visa (if required), vaccinations (if required), and personal medicine.

Workload

• Preparation: 242 hours
• Theory exercises: 70 hours
• Field Work: 100 hours
• Total: 412 hours

Exam

• Credit: 15 ECTS
• Type of assessment: Written assignment and oral examination
• Examination prerequisites: Approved participation in the fieldwork
• Aid: No aids allowed
• Marking scale: 7-point grading scale
• Censorship form: No external censorship, several internal examiners

Re-exam

• Re-submission of written assignment and 20 minutes oral examination

Criteria for Exam Assessment

Please see the learning outcome for criteria.

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course code: NIGK15006U
• Credit: 15 ECTS
• Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 2 blocks
• Placement: Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, Block 4, and Summer
• Schedule: The course is not offered in all blocks, and block placement may vary
• Course capacity: No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period or as a credit or single subject student

Study Board

Study Board of Geosciences and Management

Contracting Department

Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management

Contracting Faculty

Faculty of Science

Course Coordinators

Ole Mertz

Research Areas

Typical topics include:

• Geomorphology
• GIS
• Remote sensing
• Livelihoods
• Climatology
• Land use
• Soil science
• Migration
• Global value chains
• Rural and agricultural development
• Urbanization and regional development