autumn 2024
GEO-3122 Micropalaeontology - 5 ECTS
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years duration, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other programme for basis of admission. Application code: 9371.Course content
The most important microfossil groups will be presented with respect to their systematics, ecology, evolution and stratigraphy. Marine microfossils will be focused on, in particular the foraminifera. The exercises will demonstrate microfossils, sample preparation and identification. A cruise on a research vessel (e.g., R/V Helmer Hanssen) to areas around Tromsø to sample live benthic foraminifera to be counted and identified is included in the exercises for this course.Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge of the most important microfossil groups, their systematics, biology, and geological history.
- knowledge of the use of microfossils in ecology, evolution, and stratigraphy.
- knowledge of the general use of the microfossils in palaeoclimatic/-oceanographic studies.
- knowledge and understanding of the advantages/disadvantages of use of the various groups of microfossils for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Skills
The student can
- prepare samples and identify microfossils.
- handle and process surface samples of living benthic foraminiferal samples from slope, shelf, and fjords in Troms and West Finnmark.
- perform microscopy for counts and identification of living benthic foraminifera.
- use data to make comprehensive ecological interpretation and discussion of living benthic foraminiferal faunas from two different environmental settings.
- conduct marine geological fieldwork with a research vessel (e.g., R/V Helmer Hanssen) to retrieve gravity cores, box-cores, plankton tows, seismic and acoustic data, and use these data for finding good sampling locations.
General competences
The student can
- understand the specific use of marine microfossils in stratigraphy, and reconstructions of past changes in the climatic-oceanographic system.
- prepare and initiate a master project in palaeoceanography and palaeoclimate.
- read and write about scientific results in English.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see International admissions | UiT for more information.
Do you have questions about this course? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty:
https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412
Examination
| Examination: | Duration: | Grade scale: |
|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | 20 Minutes | A–E, fail F |
Coursework requirements:To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements: |
||
| Exercise 1 | Approved – not approved | |
| Exercise 2 | Approved – not approved | |
| Exercise 3 | Approved – not approved | |
| Exercise 4 | Approved – not approved | |
| Exercise 5 | Approved – not approved | |
| Exercise 6 | Approved – not approved | |
| Safety training | Approved – not approved | |
| Post cruise lab | Approved – not approved | |
| Participation on cruise | Approved – not approved | |
More info about the coursework requirements
Admittance to the exam requires approved exercises and post cruise lab. Participation in the cruise is mandatory.
Approval of training in health, safety, and environment prior to the cruise. This follows the UiT routines for cruises and will be provided by the crew onboard the research vessel.
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 5
- Course code: GEO-3122
- Responsible unit
- Department of Geosciences
- Earlier years and semesters for this topic