Earth & Space Sciences

This course introduces students to the quantitative treatment of chemical processes in aquatic systems. It includes a brief review of chemical thermodynamics and photochemistry as it applies to natural waters. Specific topics covered include acid-base chemistry, precipitation-dissolution, coordination, and redox reactions. Emphasis is on equilibrium calculations as a tool for understanding the variables that govern the chemical composition of aquatic systems and the fate of pollutants.

This course starts with a short introduction to the ice age theory, followed by a review of the formation of continental ice sheets, isostatic movements and eustatic sea-level fluctuations. Thereafter follows an introduction to the study methods of the properties of Quaternary and glacial deposits, and their dating. Subsequently, glacial erosion, transport and deposition are introduced, followed by a review of the origin and properties of tills, meltwater deposits, and glaciolacustrine and glaciomarine deposits. Finally, an overview is given of the periglacial environment (processes and landforms). A two-day field excursion in Jutland demonstrates some glacial landforms and deposits.

This course introduces the formation and geological evolution of sedimentary basins in order to understand the spatial distribution of different units and the exploitation of the subsurface. The course includes lectures and practicals in basin forming processes with focus on the relation between subsidence (including faults and saltstructures) and deposition of different reservoirs in time and space; the use of reservoirs with respect to drinking water production, CCS, geothermal energy, heat storage and the formation/production of fossil fuel; introducing geotechnical methods and the link to geological problems; and carbon cycles. Different methods for analyzing basins and reservoirs are also introduced, including reflection seismics, well logging, organic geochemistry, geotechnical measurements, and thermal evolution (modelling).

This course provide students with the skills required to examine, describe and interpret sediments and sedimentary rocks for a variety of different purposes. This course examines the recent or ancient environment in which sedimentary materials were deposited, and the processes that control the production, movement and storage of sediment bodies. The various controls on the sedimentary record such as climate and sea-level change, as well as diagenesis and geochemical cycles, will be discussed. 

This course explores the relationship between the natural sciences, specifically their abiotic aspects, and geography. It discusses the fundamental concepts of astronomy, geology, geophysics, and hydrology, and their application to spatial studies. Topics include: the Earth's position and movements and their impact on the distribution of solar energy; characteristics and composition of solid materials exposed on Earth's surface-- minerals and rocks; dynamics and evolution of the lithosphere and its influence on the earth-- global tectonics and geological history; basic characteristics, composition, and general dynamics of the hydrosphere.

This course covers Seismology, one of the main geophysical methods for studying the Earth.  The course introduces fundamental concepts and basic theory of seismic waves, and then applies them to earthquakes, Earth structure, and plate tectonics. Practical exercises are provided in class labs and take-home assignments. Students build both physical intuition and basic skills for reading and using seismological data. 

There are no formal prerequisites. However, students should be comfortable with basic calculus and introductory physics (e.g., derivatives and simple differential equations). 

This course provides a deep understanding of how geoscience can be used to support the overall sustainability of our planet. Topics include earth observations and sustainability; geothermal energy and energy storage; natural and anthropogenic carbon cycles; fluxes and budgets; carbon, capture, utilization and storage; geoengineering, including enhancement of geological processes for climate mitigation; ensuring access to clean water; pollution assessment and remediation.

Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Understanding how and why these changes occur is a key skill for those across the Earth Sciences, from physical and human geographers to geo- and environmental scientists. This course focuses on the role of water in the evolution of Earth’s landscape. Through investigating water-driven processes and sediment transport, students gain first-hand experience in constructing simple models to help them estimate the rate and magnitude of surface processes. Students also practice sediment classification, quantitative problem solving, and map making.

The course provides a general overview of the most important natural hazards affecting the Earth and human societies in the past, at the present and possibly in the future. It covers the natural processes that impact the Earth system as hazards, disasters, and catastrophes instantaneously changing the environment and – in modern times – adversely affecting humans. Topics such as tsunamis, river flooding, sea level change, earthquakes, and mass wasting are discussed with focus on their origin, course, documentation left in the geological record and, when relevant, impact on past and modern societies, including economic and social impacts.

This course examines stars and planetary systems in detail. It covers the building blocks of stars and planets, how they form, and how they evolve over time. It also covers telescopes and surveys, present and upcoming, used to understand the physics of these systems. Topics to be covered include: stellar structure, star and planetary formation and evolution, stellar spectra in relation to fundamental properties, end states of stars, exoplanet detection and characterization, planetary atmospheres and interior structures, and stellar activity and its effect on habitability.