Study Programmes 2016-2017
WARNING : 2015-2016 version of the course specifications
STER0003-1  
Earth Sciences
  • Geomatic part
  • Geology part
Duration :
Geomatic part : 15h Th, 15h Pr
Geology part : 15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in geography : general7
Bachelor in geology7
Lecturer :
Geomatic part : Jean-Paul Donnay
Geology part : Frédéric Hatert
Coordinator :
Jean-Paul Donnay
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
Geomatic part
0. Origin of Earth Sciences
1. Introduction to Astronomy of position
2. Introduction to Geodesy
3. Introduction to Map Projections
4. Data and geographic information in digital form
5. Geographic data in vector mode
6. Example of acquisition of geographic data in vector mode: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
7. Geographic data in raster mode
8. Example of acquisition of geographic raster data: satellite remote sensing
9. Geo-visualization and introduction to digital geographic data processing
10. Pooling and exchange of digital geographic data
Geology part
 1. Internal structure and the formation of the Earth.
2. Plate tectonics and the geological cycle.
3. Minerals.
4. Sedimentary rocks.
5. Magmatic and metamorphic rocks.
6. Fossils and stratigraphy.
7. Tectonics and geological mapping.
8. Geology of Belgium.
9. Geological resources.
 
 
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Geomatic part
The course objective is to learn the fundamentals of handling geographical data in digital form: the different positioning reference systems, examples of methods of acquiring geographic data in digital form, the basic concepts of visualization, processing and sharing of digital geographic data.
Geology part
 The aim of this course is to introduce the students to Geology: how was the Earth formed, which are the geologic materials taht it contains, how to understand his history, which mineral resources are available.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Geomatic part
Basic knowledge of geography, mathematics, physics and computer science
Geology part
Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics (level end of secondary school).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Geomatic part
Various measures on topographic maps. Learning the basics of the software entitled "Geographic Information System" (GIS): handling of geographic data files and the virtual environment of spatial databases. Learning the conceptual modeling of geographic data processing in vector and raster modes. Introduction to GPS field survey and geographical applications online.
Geology part
 Practicals: identification of rocks and minerals, geolgical map interpretation, geological resources. 1 day of field-trip is organized.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Geomatic part
Face-to-face and on the field
Individual and group exercises
Particpation to practicals is mandatory (exercises evaluated). It is required to be able to present exam.
Geology part
Face-to-face and on the field
Individual and group exercises
Participation to practicals is mandatory.
No inscription to practicals.
Recommended or required readings :
Geomatic part
Lecture notes (PDF) availbable on eCampus (see tab "Supports de cours").
Manadatory reading: SUTTON T., DASSAU O., SUTTON M. (2009). A gentle introduction in GIS. http://docs.qgis.org/2.6/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction/index.html
Recommended reading: LEFORT J. (2004) L'aventure cartographique. Belin - collection Pour la science.
Geology part
 Lecture notes (PDF) on MyULg (see links below) et sur ECampus
Required reading : BOULVAIN, F. (2013). Géologie générale. Du minéral aux géosphères. Technosup, éditions Ellipses, Paris.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Geomatic part
Theory: MCQ (70%)
Practice: exercises evaluated along the year (20%)
Partial examination during the first quadrimester (10%)
Both partims (geomatics and geology) are first subject to separate ratings, then the results are globalized (average) in a sole rating for the STER course. Obtaining a rating of 7/20 in each of partims is required for assigning an average. Otherwise, this is the lowest score of the two partims that is assigned. Possible exemptions are granted according to the partims (10/20 minimum).
Reminder: attendance at practical exercises and the partial examination is required in order to present the theoretical examination.
Geology part
Theory : MCQ (70%)
Practice : exercises evaluated along the year (20%)
Evaluations during the first quadrimester (10%)
No partial dispense for practicals
Both partims (geomatics and geology) are first subject to separate ratings, then the results are globalized (average) in a sole rating for the STER course. Obtaining a rating of 7/20 in each partims is required for assigning an average. Otherwise, this is the lowest score of the two partims that is assigned. Possible exemptions are granted according to the partims (10/20 minimum).
Reminder: Attendance at p^racticals exercises and the partial examination is required in order to present the theoretical examinations.
Work placement(s) :
Geomatic part
One day of field work is organized (hald day: geology / hald day: geomatics)
Geology part
One day of field-trip is organized.
Organizational remarks :
Geomatic part
REQUIRED equipment for the first practical session: ruler in mm (40 cm length); square-protractor (base 15 cm minimum); mechanical pencil (or sharp pencil); rubber; calculator (with trigonometric functions), A4 paper bloc.
The software used for other practical sessions are all open source software that students can download at home if they wish. Practical exercises are however only realized on the university's computers, not on students' laptops.
Geology part
 Laptops, tablets and mobile phones forbidden.
Contacts :
Geomatic part
Geomatics Unit, B5a Agora, 19 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège (building B5a)Professor
Jean-Paul DONNAY jp.donnay@ulg.ac.be
Assistant: Romain NEUVILLE romain.neuville@ulg.ac.be
Geology part
Professor Frédéric HATERT
Laboratoire de Minéralogie B18
04/366.21.43
fhatert@ulg.ac.be
Assistant Yannick Bruni
yannick.bruni@student.ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Geomatic part
Introduction to Earth sciences - partim: Geomatics
PDF files of the slides presented during the oral course.

Statements and exercises solutions
Geology part
Course STER-Geology
Geology course