6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1019897BNR for all students in the 2nd semester of odd academic years (e.g. 2013-2014) at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
HOC
This course aims at providing an in depth knowledge of the geomorphologic processes responsible for the genesis of the morphology in fluvial and arid environments. It deals with the study of geomorphologic processes through rationalising the interrelationships between environmental conditions, rock/sediment properties, transport agents and landscape forms. Focus is put on quantifying and modeling geomorphologic processes in order to understand the behaviour of complex geomorphologic systems. The lectures serve as a basis for the applications during practical’s, lab session and for understanding specific case studies from the literature. Emphasis is put on the translation of knowledge to problem solving capacities especially related to the analysis of the impact of human actions on natural geomorphologic systems. The spatial approach is emphasized by using Google Earth, topographic maps and GIS.
1.Introduction to applied geomorphology
2.Weathering processes:
a. Mechanical weathering
b. Chemical weathering
3.Mass movements
4.Fluvial processes on slopes
5.Fluvial processes in river channels
WPO
1.Applications of geomorphologic concepts and relationships discussed in the course to specific case studies based on the application of rock mechanics and slope stability models and the analysis of GIS data. Results of practical’s will be presented and critically discussed in oral or written reports to submit/present in the week following the practical.
2.Introduction to laboratory techniques: granulometry, density, water content, organic matter content.
3.One day field excursion (conditional). The excursion might be organized during a holiday or week-end day.
4.The students present, in group of 2-3, the results of a personal reading project to be developed on one of the topic discussed in the course through a power point presentation and the animation of a practical activity. The project must include at least one scientific article presenting a case study based on field data and at least two complementary scientific papers related to the case study. The presentations are scheduled throughout the semester according to the lecture plan.
Text and PPT presentations of the lectures, together with guidelines and data for the practical’s, are available on the learning platform.
Complementary study material:
• Selby, 1993, Hillslope material and processes, Oxford University Press, 480 pp.
Journals for independent reading projects (among others)
- Geomorphology
- Catena
- Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
- Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie
•The student has an in-depth knowledge on factors governing rock weathering and soil formation, gravitational mass movements, slope erosion and fluvial processes.
•The student is able to use the his/her knowledge of fundamental physical processes to analyse the forces driving the making and evolution of the physical environment.
•The student is able to analyse the functioning and spatio-temporal variation of a geomorphologic system through the application of existing analytical/mathematical models.
•The student is able to study geomorphologic problems in their spatial context.
•The student can discuss the impact of human intervention in a geomorphologic system.
•The student has a theoretical knowledge of the techniques used to quantify geomorphologic processes.
•The student develops the necessary skills and attitudes to understand and independently follow new developments in the science of geomorphology through the use of scientific literature.
•The student is able to synthesize the acquired knowledge, and to report on it orally and in written reports. Development of a critical mind and the capacity of abstraction and synthesis form an integral part of this goal.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
PRAC Presentation determines 20% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Presentation category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
20% Evaluation of practical’s based on written reports.
20% Oral presentation in groups of a literature study of one topic of the course.
60% Written exam. A mark >8/20 for the exam is needed to pass the course.
Partial marks for the written exam, the practical tasks or the presentation, if the student obtains at least half of the score for this part, are transferred to the second session and to the next academic year.
The student can relinquish his partial mark, provided s/he reports this to the lecturer and assistant by e-mail not later than 15 August (2nd session) or 1 October (no transfer to the next academic year).
Once the student has indicated that he will abandon his partial mark, he will irrevocably lose the partial mark.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Geography: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Geography: Standard track
Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management: Standaard traject
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: biologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: chemie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: wiskunde (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: ingenieurswetenschappen (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)