Polar Landscapes and Reconstructions of Quaternary Climate and Environment
The course addresses the natural conditions in polar and alpine areas, present day climate and environment, as well as reconstructions of past climate and environmental changes with focus on the Quaternary period.

Through the course, students learn about polar landscapes, the climate system and environmental change during the Quaternary period with a focus on Scandinavia. The course begins with a field excursion to northern Scandinavia, where students will explore glacial and periglacial landscapes, sub-Arctic and Arctic environments and Quaternary climate history, including time at the Tarfala Research Station. This is complemented by lectures, seminars, analysis of the scientific literature and in-depth and hands-on laboratory experience of selected methods for reconstruction of Quaternary climate and environmental change.
This course is part of the Master's Programme in Polar Landscapes and Quaternary Climate, but may also be taken as a separate course.
-
Course structure
Modules
• Field Course, 4 credits
• Theory and Practice, 11 creditsTeaching format
Instruction consists of a field course, lectures, seminars, laboratory work and project work. The course is offered in English.
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.
Stockholm University's guidelines for disciplinary matters can be found at During your studies/Plagiarism and regulations for disciplinary matters.
-
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
-
Contact
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
Mark Skidmore
E-mail: mark.skidmore@natgeo.su.seStudy counsellor, student office and other contacts