Advanced Methods in Physical Geography

2025/2026

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The main objective of this project module is to qualify the student to analyse and evaluate one or more problems within the field of physical geography. The project can comprise field surveys, laboratory experiments, modelling and/or theoretical problems. Emphasis in the project is on development of a strategy for measuring and modelling of physical geography processes. The project also aims to get the students to evaluate critically the use of literature, measurements and models. It is noted that the semester unit may include substantial elements of cultural geography including demographic and market analyses, if these elements are relevant for, and connected to, the below described physical geography elements.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Shall have knowledge on how numerical methods and experiments methods complement each other and how to use experimental data to improve models in the field of physical geography.
  • Understand and which uncertainties are associated to each method and how they can be analysed.
  • Understand the physical, chemical and biological processes in aquatic environments.

Skills

  • Use the existing literature and theories to plan a literature study and field and/or laboratory work within the field of physical geography.
  • Critically use a select models currently used in physical geography.
  • Independently explain choice of scientific theoretical and/or experimental methods in relation to the aim of the study.
  • Plan and carry out the measurement program for field and laboratory measurements.
  • Make a critical estimation of the chosen theories and methods as well as the analyses, results and conclusions.
  • To select relevant theories and literature.

Competences

  • Be able to combine, literature surveys, experimental data and numerical methods to develop better models within the field of physical geography.
  • Communicate relevant scientific and professional aspects of project work in a clear and systematic way.
  • Present and communicate results in a web-based media.
  • Must be able to contribute successfully to teamwork within the problem area and make a common presentation of the result of the project work.

Type of instruction

Project work with supervision supplemented with instruction, workshops, presentation seminars, experimental work, etc.

Extent and expected workload

The projectmodule is 20 ECTS which is corresponding to 600 hours of study.

Exam

Exams

Name of examAdvanced Methods in Physical Geography
Type of exam
Oral exam based on a project
Oral exam based on presentation seminar and project report.
ECTS20
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleAvancerede naturgeografiske metoder
Module codeB-GEO-K3-1A
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS20
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Geography
Study BoardStudy Board of Built Environment
DepartmentDepartment of the Built Environment
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science