GG4259 Glaciology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

A ballot system will be used if there is excessive demand.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof D I Benn

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof Doug Benn

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Glaciers and ice sheets profoundly affect life on Earth, through their influence on sea-level change, water resources, natural hazards, biogeochemical cycles, and sediment erosion and deposition. This is particulalry true today, when the world’s ice is shrinking rapidly in response to global warming. As a result, glaciology is now recognized as one of the most important sub-disciplines in Geography, vital to our understanding of the impacts of climate change. In this module, students will gain an in-depth introduction to modern glaciology, and learn how glaciers interact with climate, how they move, how they store and release water, and how they affect sea level. The course explores the key processes that control glacier behaviour, the characteristics and recent history of ice sheets and mountain glaciers, and future prospects for glaciers in a warming world.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS GG2013 AND PASS GG2014 AND PASS SD2100 ) OR ( PASS GG2011 AND PASS GG2012 )

Anti-requisites

GG3263

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% written exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures (x9 weeks), 1 Seminars (x11 weeks), 2 Revision Sessions (x2 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

33

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

254

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • demonstrate in-depth understanding of key processes governing glacier behaviour
  • demonstrate an understanding how glaciers and ice sheets are responding to climate change
  • critically evaluate, synthesise and communicate complex ideas from the academic literature
  • Write high-level reports demonstrating clear understanding of scientific principles.