course-details-portlet

GB8201

Tectonics Scientific Literature Study

Credits 7.5
Level Doctoral degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

This course provides an in-depth study of scientific literature within tectonics, plate tectonics, structural geology, extensional settings, and/or geodynamics. The main thematic focus will be chosen in coordination with the PhD supervisor and aligned with the student’s research project.

The content includes:

  • Lectures (3 sessions):
    • How to read a scientific paper
    • How to write a report
    • How to write a conference abstract
  • Self-study: Critical reading and analysis of scientific papers related to the chosen theme
  • Report writing: Preparation of a comprehensive literature review
  • Abstract writing: Development of a concise conference-style abstract

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the candidate should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Explain principles of critical reading of scientific papers (Understand).
  • Describe the structure and purpose of scientific reports and conference abstracts (Understand).

Skills

  • Analyze and evaluate scientific papers in the general field of tectonics (Analyze).
  • Synthesize relevant literature to produce a coherent report (Synthesize).
  • Create a clear and concise conference abstract (Create).
  • Present key findings orally in a structured and professional manner (Apply).

General Competence

  • Reflect on scientific communication and dissemination in Earth sciences (Evaluate).
  • Plan and execute an independent literature study supporting the PhD project (Apply).

Learning methods and activities

  • Lectures: Three introductory sessions on reading, report writing, and abstract writing
  • Self-study: Independent reading and analysis of scientific literature
  • Writing tasks: Preparation of a literature review report and a conference abstract
  • Oral presentations: Presentations of main findings from the literature study, training sessions with evaluation and comments from course responsible to help prepare for the final assessment.

Further on evaluation

The final grade is based on a combination of oral exam (50%) and scientific report (50%). In order to be eligible to receive a grade in the course, both assessments must receive a passing score. For a re-take of the course, both assessments must be re-taken. To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Engineering (PHIV)

Course materials

Course materials: Selected literature from textbooks and articles from international journals. All in English language.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
DIG1970 7.5 sp
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Geology

Contact information

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geoscience

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Assignment
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 1 hours

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

Assignment
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 1 hours