Critical Steps in the Evolution of Earth and life
The concept Earth System Science is introduced. This is followed by some critical events in the evolution of Earth and life.
Among these are theories about the origin of life, the Cambrian explosion, how life conquered the continents, and the five big mass extinctions. The course ends with climate history, how climates changed from a warm greenhouse world to the present icehouse world that began 34 million years ago.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
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Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
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Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
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For new international students
Among these are theories about the origin of life, the Cambrian explosion, how life conquered the continents, and the five big mass extinctions. The course ends with climate history, how climates changed from a warm greenhouse world to the present icehouse world that began 34 million years ago.
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Course structure
Assessment
is based on a written/oral assessment at the end of the course. Assessment criteria are:
A = Excellent
B = Very good
C = Good
D = Satisfactory
E = Sufficient
Fx = Insufficient
F = Entirely insufficientThe assessment criteria will be outlined at the start of the course. To pass the course, a minimum grade E is necessary.
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Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Stanley, S.M. & Luczaj, J.A. W.H. 2017
Earth System History, 4th Edition
Freeman and Company, New York.
ISBN 9781319154028.Web-based literature.
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Course reports
Course evaluations allow the possibility to affect and take responsibility for your own learning and gives important information for our work with pedagogical development.
It's important that all students complete the course evaluations after each course, it gives the Department the opportunity to improve the courses' quality.
The course evaluation is composed of a number of questions and specific questions for each course. If you, as a student, want to contribute with more course specific questions you may send them to studies@geo.su.se.
If you haven't received the course evaluation for your finished course, or if you have other questions regarding course evaluations at IGV please contact studies@geo.su.se.
Course evaluation = student's review of the course
Course report = course leader's reflections about the review -
Contact
Elisabeth DäckerAdministrativ studierektor
- Visiting address
- S 316
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
Helen CoxallProfessor of Marine micropaleontology
- Visiting address
- R 233
- Svante Arrheniusväg 8 C, Geohuset
affiliated with Department of Geological Sciences (IGV)Margret Steinthorsdottir