Entry requirements

60 credits earth science. Participations in Mineralogy and Petrology 10 credits. 10 credits in GIS are recommended.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe our natural environment from the lithosphere to the atmosphere from a geochemical perspective
• identify key raw materials and geo-energy resources and explain their occurrence and distribution
• explain what are the main environmental issues associated with the extraction and use of these resources, and describe current technical solutions to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts
• explain what are the main social issues associated with the extraction and use of these resources, and describe current solutions to mitigate potential negative social-environmental impacts
• describe and communicate selected environmental and social problems related to the extraction and use of raw materials or geo-energy resources to an educated audience, both independently and in groups

Content

The course explores the occurrence, distribution, and significance of key raw materials and geo-energy resources including their geological origins. The course also examines the environmental impacts of resource extraction and use, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Technical solutions for mitigating potential negative environmental effects, such as cleaner technologies and sustainable practices, will be examined. Social issues related to resource extraction and use is addressed, along with institutional frameworks aimed at reducing social and environmental harm. Practical examples will be studied to highlight how scientific knowledge can be applied to real-world environmental and social issues stemming from the extraction and use of raw materials and geo-energy resources. The course also covers relevant environmental institutions that govern resource extraction and environmental protection. Through group work and individual assignments, students will learn to critically engage with and propose solutions to complex geographical and environmental challenges.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, practicals and excursion.

Assessment

Written examination (5 credits), and compulsory parts of the course (5 credits). The compulsory parts include active participation in seminars, practicals and excursion. A hand-in poster exercise with specialization in some theme that was addressed in the course is also mandatory. 

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.