MSc Glaciology
Master
In Aberystwyth
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Aberystwyth (Wales)
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Duration
1 Year
The aims of the M.Sc. in Glaciology are to provide students with a range of skills appropriate not only to glaciological, glacial geological and glacial geomorphological investigations, but are also applicable in a wider Earth Science and Physical Geographical context.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Course programme
Introduction
The cryosphere has a major influence on the Earth System, especially in the context of environmental change. Understanding the processes that govern the behaviour of glaciers and snow cover is not only crucial for developing models of the response of the cryosphere to climatic change, but also for evaluating water resources, locating sand and gravel resources, and assessing landscape attributes. Furthermore, glacial deposits have implications for waste disposal, groundwater flow, pollution and earth-surface erosion.
Aims
The aims of the MSc. in Glaciology are to provide students with a range of skills appropriate not only to glaciological, glacial geological and glacial geomorphological investigations, but are also applicable in a wider Earth Science and Physical Geographical context.
Objectives
Specific objectives of the MSc.in Glaciology are to enable students to:
- Programme and operate automated instruments, including data-loggers for glaciological and other environmental purposes
- Gauge discharge and chemistry of streams
- Manipulate and apply computer-based, cold-region hydrological models
- Interpret surface features of contemporary glaciers and ice sheets using satellite imagery and aerial photography
- Interpret sediment/landform associations in recently deglacierised areas and in the Quaternary record
- Apply sedimentological principles to the analysis and interpretation of glacigenic sediments
- Utilise field skills in sedimentological logging and landform interpretation
- Synthesise glaciological/glacial geological information from a wide variety of sources
Students will also acquire enhanced skills in:
- Oral, visual and written communication
- Synthesis of scientific information
- Development, implementation and evaluation of research programmes
- Manipulation of numerical data
- Using computer software, especially quantitative analysis, GIS and remote sensing
- Working independently and in a team, especially in a field context
Semester 1
- Advanced Research Skills
- Spatial data Acquisition or Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS
- Glaciological Field Techniques
Please note the Glaciological Field Techniques module will be held in the Swiss Alps in early September, prior to full registration.
Semester 2
- Approaches to Glaciology
- Glacial Processes and Products
- Choice of one non-glaciological module from four
Semester 3
Research Dissertation in Glaciology. Opportunities currently exist in association with staff projects in the Peruvian Andes, Swiss Alps, Svalbard and northern Sweden, although other areas are not excluded from consideration.
Additional information
MSc Glaciology