Quaternary Geology: Global Environmental Change from a Geological Perspective
Course · 15 credits
Description
Human impact on Earth’s ecosystems has never been greater than today, and it has become clear that humanity now also has an influence Earth’s climate system. In what ways and for how long have we had an impact on the global environment, and how can geological data and models be used for distinguishing this impact from the everlasting and still ongoing climatic and environmental changes caused by natural processes? These are some of the important questions posed in this course, which based on current research provides you with a geological perspective on the global environmental changes that characterise our time.
The course is to a large extent focussed on a field-based research investigation during several days, which gives you practical experience of monitoring series, field observations and geological data collection related to past and ongoing climatic and environmental changes. Data from the fieldwork form the basis for a written assignment, which you also present orally at a seminar. Literature studies, lectures, exercises, and group discussions provide you with in-depth theoretical knowledge and broadening within the subject area.
The course focusses on climate-steering processes and related environmental changes during the Quaternary, but it also considers today’s global change issues from a longer geological perspective. In addition, you will get an introduction to the concept of geosystem services and an insight into current research on the projection of future environmental change, as well as our possibilities of influencing the development to the better. Specific attention is paid to practice in acquiring information from scientific primary publications, as well as oral and written communication in English.
Course documents
Closed for applications
Application opportunitiesContact
Department of Geology
Visiting address
Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund
Postal address
Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund
+46 46 222 78 65
Karl Ljung
Study advisor
karl [dot] ljung [at] geol [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
To be admitted to the course, students must have obtained general entry requirements as well as 90 credits in natural sciences, and English B or the equivalent.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Spring Semester 2025
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
24 March 2025 - 8 June 2025
Application
You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 42 500
First payment: SEK 42 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.