Quaternary Climate and Environmental Reconstructions

Natural archives like lake sediments, peat and tree rings are important for climate and environmental reconstructions over time.
Natural peat archive. Photo Britta Sannel.

Natural peat archive. Photo Britta Sannel.

This course focuses on methods for biological, physical and chemical analyses of natural archives for reconstructing climate and environmental changes, particularly during the Holocene. You will learn about qualitative as well as quantitative methods. The course covers both general principles of climate- and environmental reconstructions, and some selected archives which we will discuss in detail.

During this course you will get extensive “hands-on” lab expertise on how to analyze different archives, including analysis of pollen, diatoms and tree rings as well as sampling for dating methods. You will also learn about statistical treatment and interpretation of proxy data.

The course is part (elective course) of the Master's Programme in Polar Landscapes and Quaternary Climate, but it can also be taken as a separate course


Modules

  1. Theory, 5 credits
  2. Practical analysis, 10 credits

Teaching Format

Instruction consists of lectures, laboratory work, seminars and exercises.


Assessment

For details see syllabus.

Plagiarism and regulations for disciplinary matters

As a student you must be conscientious about clearly accounting for the material used in the texts that are submitted for examination. To use another person’s expressions or ideas without stating the source is plagiarism. To translate and/or change some words in someone else’s text and present it as your own is also a form of plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered cheating and if discovered in an exam or paper, the exam or paper will be failed immediately and disciplinary measures may be taken.

Any student who is caught cheating or disrupting academic activities may be suspended from lectures and exams for a period of up to six months. The Vice Chancellor or the Disciplinary Council decide whether the student is to be subject to any disciplinary measures. 

The link to Stockholm University's guidelines for disciplinary matters and expulsion can be found on the website:

During your studies/Plagiarism and regulations for disciplinary matters

Examiner

Britta Sannel

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








We are several persons working with study administration and study counselling. Please contact the Student office for questions concerning course information, registration, schedule, literature lists and exams. If you have questions concerning credit transfer, admission, eligibility or need study advice please contact the Study counsellor.

Course responsible
Simon Larsson
E-mail: simon.larsson@natgeo.su.se

Study counsellor, student office and other contacts

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