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,

Course manual 2021/2022

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

Other

  • Field guide

  • Hand-outs

  • High-resolution RS images

  • Field equipment

  • Field maps app / collector app

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
  • Communicate the results of the inventory in the format of a short research paper and presentation

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Fieldwork/excursion
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Self-study
  • Lectures: 3 introductory lectures
  • Practical: 2 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 / Selfstudy 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

10%

Proposal

Mandatory

45%

Field work

Mandatory

35%

Final report

Mandatory

10%

Final presentation

Mandatory

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
3-4 (halftime) Introduction and GIS preparation Second half of May
4-8 (fulltime) Fieldwork 8-30 June
112 hours Reporting to be decided

 

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

  • 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

 

Contact information

Coordinator

  • dr. L.H. Cammeraat

Staff

  • dr. A.C. Seijmonsbergen
  • dr. B. Jansen
  • dr. W. Gosling