Field Course Geoecological Systems

12 EC

Semester 2, period 5, 6

5264FCG12Y

Owner Master Earth Sciences
Coordinator dr. L.H. Cammeraat
Part of Master Earth Sciences, track Environmental Management, Master Earth Sciences, track Geo-Ecological Dynamics, Master Earth Sciences, track Future Planet Ecosystem Science, Master Earth Sciences, track Earth System Science, year 1

Course manual 2023/2024

Course content

Thorough field knowledge of landscape elements and their mutual relationship is vital to the understanding of geo-ecosystem functioning. This course deals with integrated geo-ecosystem analysis and includes the state factors geology and climate, which affect the distribution of water, light and nutrients and geomorphological processes in the landscape, as well as development of soil and vegetation. Introductory lectures will introduce the student to various aspects of the geo-ecosystems under study, amongst others: geological / tectonic setting, geomorphological development and processes, soil development, environmental problems, hydrological functions, functioning and preservation of the local ecosystems. Literature will be available to prepare for a geo-ecological inventory. A one week GIS practical in the GIS-Studio at the Science Park is used for data/map preparation of the fieldwork. A short excursion will precede fieldwork. Students will work in groups of two or three and are responsible for data collection and data analysis. Data will be analyzed and presented in maps, tables and diagrams. A report in the form of a research article will be written after the fieldwork. Topics for this course will be: geo-ecological inventories, vulnerability assessment, hazard assessment, soil erosion and land degradation and conservation strategies.

Study materials

Literature

  • Scientific articles

Software

  • Arcgispro

  • Fieldmap app

Other

  • Field guide

  • Hand-outs

  • High-resolution imagery

  • Satellite imagery

  • Field equipment

Objectives

  • Explain the functioning of the studied geo-ecosystems in relation to their landscape complexity and in relation to lithology, geomorphology, soil, vegetation and land use
  • Apply field research techniques in geo-ecology such as landscape inventories, soil and vegetation description, and analyze and interpret a-biotic and biotic ecosystem parameters.
  • Apply the following techniques: inventory techniques, GIS and Remote Sensing analysis using field validation, apply models to simulate geo-ecological processes or focus on geo-conservation of landscapes
  • Evaluate and communicate the results of the inventory, in the format of a short research paper and presentation, including recommendations for sustainable land use

Teaching methods

    • Lectures: 4 introductory lectures
    • Practical: 5 days GIS lab using ArcGISpro
    • Self-study: reading literature / processing data
    • Fieldwork: 3,5 weeks on location
    • Laboratory work: optional
    • Report article: max 10 pages
    • Presentation: closing mini symposium

    Learning activities

    Activity

    Hours

    		  

    Computer practical

    20

    		  

    Lecture

    8

    		  
    Fieldwork 140  
    Reporting / Lab 112  

    Total

    336

    (12 EC x 28 uur)

    Attendance

    Requirements of the programme concerning attendance (OER-B):

    1. Attendance during practical components exercises is mandatory.

    Additional requirements for this course:

    • Lectures: attendance highly recommended
    • GIS lab: attendance mandatory
    • Fieldwork: attendance mandatory
    • Laboratory work: depending on topic
    • Final presentation: attendance mandatory

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

     

    Schedule Component Period
    1-4 (halftime) Introduction and GIS preparation May
    4-8 (fulltime) Fieldwork approx. 8-29 June
    112 hours Reporting

    July/August

     

    Additional information

    • This course is in principle given annually
    • This course includes fieldwork and the student is expected to pay for travel, local housing, food and drinks and vaccinations.
    • During this course you will stay approximately for three weeks in a foreign country, possibly under primitive and remote conditions.
    • For the fieldwork part please visit the Canvas page ‘Insurance and Safety’.
    • https://canvas.uva.nl/courses/6062/pages/fieldwork-and-safety
    • Understanding of the fields geo-ecology, geomorphology, soil science, vegetation  and hydrology  and their interaction. Prior experience with field courses on geo-ecology is required.
    • Minimum number of participants is 8. Maximum number of participants is 20.

     

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. L.H. Cammeraat

    Staff

    • dr. B. Jansen
    • dr. A. Brancari
    • prof. dr. W. Gosling
    • dr. Th. de Boer