Course Syllabus

Course Description

This course explores how Scandinavia’s mountains, fjords and surface deposits originated and evolved through Earth’s history, from the Precambrian until today. You will gain understanding of the rock forming processes that have defined the geological evolution of the region. Through lectures, hands-on labs and field observations you will be able to identify key sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks from Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Together, we will discuss the climate, environment and tectonic settings that these rocks formed in. 

How and when did the mountain ranges of Norway and Sweden form? Why is Denmark so flat? These are some of the questions that will be answered as we go on a fascinating journey through time of about 3000 million years. The journey starts with the formation of one of Earth’s old continental nuclei; the Fennoscandian Shield. Then, we will proceed to learn how these old rocks have undergone numerous deformations due to tectonic activity, weathering and erosion, and how they in some areas have been covered in younger sediments. The Caledonian mountain-building, the Oslo rifting, and the Quaternary glaciations are examples of geological events that we will cover as we go through the geological processes that have shaped the Scandinavian region to become the landscapes we see today.

You will gain an understanding of Scandinavia's large-scale bedrock geology in a global context and why different rock types are found in different regions of Scandinavia. Through examples of rocks and fossils from Norway, Sweden and Denmark will you be able to group them according to their composition and when and how they formed. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to

• Describe and identify a selection of Scandinavian sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks and interpret their formation history based on macroscopic observations of hand samples
• Describe the overall geological history of the Scandinavian region from the Precambrian until the Quaternary glaciations with focus on large-scale geological features, the plate tectonic setting, and environmental and climatic conditions
• Organize geological hand samples into the overall stratigraphic framework of the Scandinavian region, and discuss their approximate geographical extent, age, formation history and composition
• Perform basic geological observations and interpretations in the field
• Infer past ice-flow directions from glacial erratics in Danish landscapes
• Compare how geological resources have been – and are – used by humans in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
• Apply basic geological terms and discuss geological processes that have shaped the region, by referring to the course material, class activities and field observations

 

Faculty

Inger Kathrine Seierstad, MSc in Geology-Geophysics (University of Copenhagen). Educated within glaciology at Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, which is a world-leading research group in ice core science. Inger has done research on ice cores, past climate change, volcanic deposits in ice, stable isotopes and stratigraphic dating of ice cores. Participated in ice-core drillings in Greenland and Antarctica multiple times. With DIS since 2018.

Readings

Non-exhaustive list of readings:

Japsen, P., & Chalmers, J. (2022). The Norwegian mountains: the result of multiple episodes of uplift and subsidence. Geology Today, 38(1), 13-19. 

Machalski, M., Olszewska-Nejbert, D., Landman, N., Jagt, J., Garb, M., & Milàn, J. (2025). Ammonite survival across the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary confirmed by new data from Denmark. Scientific Reports, 15: 45802. 

Milàn, J., Jakobsen, S. L., & Niss, C. (2023). Faxe Kalkbrud - The story of Denmark’s fossil coral reef. Historien om Danmarks fossile koralrev. Geomuseum Faxe/ East Zealand Museums. doi:ISBN 978-87-996729-2-9

Ramberg, I., Bryhni, I., Nøttvedt, A., & Rangnes, K. (2008). The Making of a Land – Geology of Norway. Trondheim: Norsk Geologisk Forening.

Rosenkrantz, A., Surlyk, F., Anderskouv, K., Frykman, P., Stemmerik, L., & Thibault, N. (2021). The K–T boundary strata north of Korsnæb, Stevns Klint, Denmark – evolution and geometry revealed in a long, horizontal profile. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Denmark, 69, 233–244. 

Stephens, M., & Bergman Weihed, J. (2020). Sweden: Lithotectonic framework, tectonic evolution and mineral resources (Vol. 50). London: Geological Society of London. Memoir.

Field Studies

Field Studies are part of this course and students will be going on local field trips to study the geology, collect samples and hunt fossils. Students will also visit local rock quarries and Earth Science research labs to learn directly from local experts. 

Approach to Teaching

Lectures, hands-on labs, outdoor activities, group work, discussions, field studies, student projects and presentations.

Expectations of the Students

Students are expected to participate in all classes and field studies. Furthermore, active participation in all activities is required to get a good grade for participation. Please see details under Grades.

Evaluation and grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work. The overall grade will come from the following: 

Assignment	Percent
Participation Active participation in class is required to get a good grade for participation. Examples of active student participation: volunteer to sum up key points from last class (2-3 min), ask questions about readings, lectures etc., start and/or participate in class discussions relating to the subjects treated, actively engage in group exercises both in class and during outdoor activities and field studies, and actively contribute to constructive and inspiring teamwork with your fellow students.	20%
Online quizzes The quizzes consist of multiple-choice questions and short text questions based on assigned readings, exercises, field studies and class discussions. The quizzes are timed and can be done at home or anywhere with wifi and access to Canvas. Students are allowed to bring their own notes.	30%
Portfolio The portfolio is a compilation of short reports from hands-on labs and field visits that students will hand in during the semester.	20%
Final Assignment Students will use the knowledge they have acquired during the semester to design and present an in-depth presentation of a Scandinavian rock sample including its formation history. The assignment is done in groups of about three students.	30%

 

 

Academic Regulations

Use of electronic devices: Laptops, phones and other portable electronic devices can be used for taking notes if in silent mode, but please refrain from writing or checking e-mail and text messages, browsing, using social media or AI during class hours. During student presentations and group work, we kindly ask you to turn off or put electronic devices away.

Recording devices: Please note that recording of classes is not allowed, unless approved by Faculty prior to class.

Engaged Participation: Focused and constructive contribution in class discussions is encouraged and expected. If you feel tired, feel free to get up and walk around in the back of the classroom.