Course goals
To recognise and reflect upon topical scientific and societal issues in the field of Earth Surface and Water (i.e Physical Geography and related fields) and to be able to put these issues in the context of the landscape. Special emphasis will be given to (1) Landscape evolution (2) morphodynamic processes in coastal, estuarine, and riverine environments (3) hydrology, water management, river restoration, flood protection; (4) climate driven and manmade vegetation change and ecosystem dynamics in north-western Europe.
Content
Maximum capacity: 40 students. ESW students have priority.
Please note: Students are only allowed one MSc fieldwork / excursion (GEO4-1424a; 1430; 1431; 4418) during their MSc training.
Placing ongoing fundamental research and societal issues into the context of the landscape, focussing on the fields of geomorphology, hydrology, and palaeoecology.
Demonstration of scientific and societally relevant problems related to the field sites.
Theoretical context based on the international scientific literature.
Development of transferable skills
Ability to work in a team: Participants are expected to take responsibility for a smooth execution of the excursion, both logistically and content-wise.
Verbal communication skills: Participants will give a scientific presentation about a topic related to the excursion programme. Participants are expected to actively take part in discussions.
Problem-solving skills: In the field, teams often have to define a strategy for fulfilling the assigned tasks, including the identification of sampling sites and performing the sampling.
Flexibility/adaptability: Depending on for example weather conditions, the excursion programme need to be adjusted.
Technical skills: Participants are introduced to a variety of methods and techniques in fundamental or applied research and the application of these methods will be demonstrated.
