University of Liege | Version française
Academic year 2014-2015Value date : 12/05/2015
GEOG0207-4  Quaternary and global change studies

Duration :  35h Th, 2d FW
Number of credits :  
Bachelor in geographical sciences, general orientation, 2nd year4
Lecturer :  Alain Demoulin, Michel Erpicum
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Organisation and examination :  
All year long, with partial in January
Course contents :  
Partim "Study of Quaternary". The course is divided in thematic chapters: dating methods, volume variations of the icecaps, glacio-eustatic variations of the sea level, glacio-isostasy, response of the hydrographic networks to climate variations, paleomagnetism, Quaternary lithostratigraphy, palynology, animal paleontology, archaeology, climatic variations recorded in the oceanic and ice cores, causes of the glaciations. Where possible, priority is given to Belgian examples, both for stratigraphy and geomorphology.
Partim "Global Changes". The course is structured in thematic chapters : effects of the relations Earth-Sun, atmospheric concentrations on climatic mechanisms. Variations recorded by sets of instrumental climatic data (availability and comparison), greenhouse gazes, anthropic pressure on the environment and their effects on climatic disasters and damage to environment.
Learning outcomes of the course :  
Partim "Study of Quaternary" : Ability to describe the history of the environmental changes and the resulting changing landscapes during the last 2.6 million years, and to understand the current environments within this evolutionary context.
Partim "Global Changes" : it aims to retrace the evolution of the climates on the Earth surface during the last 2 centuries and to specify the impacts of the anthropic activities on the modifications of the current environments.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Basic knowledge in physics, isotope chemistry, geology and geomorphology
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
The theoretical course, partim "Study of Quaternary" is supplemented by two 1-day field trips including: a) study of loessic stratotypes (Hesbaye); b) geomorphology, sedimentology, paleontology and archaeology (La Belle-Roche) in the lower Amblève valley; c) lithalsas in the Hautes Fagnes area; d) Quaternary evolution of the Warche river (Ardenne).
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
3-hour lectures during the 1st and 2nd semester.
Recommended or required readings :  
Partim "Quaternary geology" : lecture notes + PowerPoint files of the course available online (MyULg, students' portal). Guide book distributed to the students during the field work days.
Partim "Global Changes" : notes and sheets distributed to the students by Mr. Erpicum. Access to the videos through a dedicated link.
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Partim "Quaternary geology": written examination, with special emphasis on the maps and diagrams of the PowerPoint files. The students are allowed to use their own notes to answer questions about the field trips. In the September session, oral examination.
Partim "Global Changes" : written examination + oral presentation of a report.
The numeric evaluation is single and each partim intervenes for 50%. However, if the result in one of the two 'partim' is lower than 8/20, it prevails and makes the final note of the course.
Work placement(s) :  
Organizational remarks :  
PROFESSORS:
Partim "Quaternary geology" : entrusted to A. Demoulin for 3 years by the Department of Geography.
Partim "Global Changes" : entrusted to M. Erpicum for 3 years by the Department of Geography
Contacts :  
Partim "Quaternary geology" :
A. Demoulin, Sart Tilman B11
Ph. 04.366.56.60 - Fax 04.366.57.22 - E-mail: ademoulin@ulg.ac.be

Partim "Global Changes" :
M. Erpicum, Sart Tilman B11
Ph. 04.366.52.21 - E-mail: michel.erpicum@ulg.ac.be



Home

Bachelors, masters, advanced master et AESS

Lifelong Learning Education

Doctorat (Ph.D.)

Search by teacher

Search by course code and title

Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs - Contact : Monique Marcourt, General Director for Education and Training - Developed by SEGI