All programmes > Geology and Society

Geology and Society (B-KUL-G0B40A)

3 ECTSEnglish26 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Muchez Philippe (coordinator) |  Borst Anouk |  Degryse Patrick |  Elsen Jan |  Muchez Philippe |  Namur Olivier |  Sintubin Manuel |  Speijer Robert |  Weltje Gert Jan |  N. |  Vellekoop Johan (substitute)  | LessMore
OC Geologie

Aims

In the current society, in which humanity is confronted with different problems concerning the natural environment, it is imperative that the geologists as scientists do not only focus on their technical expertise, but also contribute to the societal debate. The majority of the general public and most of our public officials and decision makers (in government and industry) does not really understand the nature of our planet and the interconnectedness of all processes. Therefore, geologists should be able to develop scientifically-sound argumentations with respect to problems related to their discipline, and to express these arguments and points of view in a clear and understandable manner. Geologists also need to be able to participate in the preparatory work with respect to policymaking (government, industry …). Finally, scientists should be able to translate their research and expertise in a popular manner through media and other means of science outreach.

This course aims at confronting the student with a number of problems related to the earth sciences that are relevant to society in the 21st Century. By means of a number of case studies it will be examined how geologists can make a relevant and potentially decisive contribution in the societal debate. The students write several reports and collaborate with their fellow students and researchers.

The objectives of this course are

  • learning to work in a professional team;
  • learning to communicate with expert(s);
  • learning to make a scientifically-sound synthesis of the pros and cons with respect to an earth-science related societal problem;
  • learning to prepare a preparative note for policymakers, based on which decisions can be made and/or public statements can be made;
  • learning to participate to the societal debate by taking an argued and balanced point of view.

Previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of the different disciplines in geology.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

3 ects. Geology and Society (B-KUL-G0B40a)

3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Assignment26 First term
Borst Anouk |  Degryse Patrick |  Elsen Jan |  Muchez Philippe |  Namur Olivier |  Sintubin Manuel |  Speijer Robert |  Weltje Gert Jan |  N. |  Vellekoop Johan (substitute)  | LessMore
OC Geologie

Content

The course is organized as an authentic task, simulating a 'real world' setting, in which the students are part of a working group, preparing a note for policymakers in the context of a decision-making process, summarizing the take-away messages in a press release, and participating in a societal debate. Each working group is assigned a particular societal problem, which is colosely related to earth sciences (e.g. raw materials, energy, circular economy, climate, geohazards, nuclear waste, environment, water, ...).

Format: more information

The course is built around the activities of working groups, to which each student is assigned. Each working group is responsible for the organisation of their activities (e.g. meetings, individual assignments, inviting experts, ...). The activities of the working group are systematically recorded in meeting reports.

In the first half of the semester, Q&A sessions are organised on a weekly basis. During these sessions the working group interacts with the lecturer/expert that is assisting the working group. These Q&A sessions are finalized by an intermediate debate with the lecturer/expert. This first part of the course is concluded with the submission of the first draft of the different documents (note for policymakers, science outreach document, press release). Subsequently, the lecturer/expert will provide the necessary feedback to these documents.

In the second half of the semester, the working group finalizes the documents, based on the feedback of the lecturer/expert. After submitting the final documents, each working group is assigned the documents of an other working group for a critical review. After receiving the assessment report(s) of the other working group(s), each working group formulates a reply to the review(s).

The course is concluded with a public debate, during which the working groups present their note for policymakers, and defends their point of view. To this public debate all members of the Geology Division are invited.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Geology and Society (B-KUL-G2B40a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project, Report, Presentation, Self assessment/Peer assessment

Explanation


The evaluation of this course is three-fold: (1) an evaluation on the level of the working group of the deliverables by the lecturer/expert, who guides the working group (in consultation with the other lecturers of the teaching team); (2) an evaluation on the level of the working group by the responsible lecturers of the final debate and presentation; and (3) a peer-assessment within the working group that will result in a differentiation of the individual quotations; this peer-assessment concerns an evaluation of the individual work of each team member by the other team members based on a number of criteria.

The deliverables on the level of each working group consists of (1) a preparatory note for policymakers, (2) a science outreach document / press release, (3) an assessment report, (4) a reply to the assessment report, (5) presentations, (6) meeting reports, (7) entries in the group blog, and (8) activities during the Q&A sessions. The criteria on which this evaluation is based are: (1) content of documents; (2) structure of documents; (3) layout of documents; (4) quality of discussions during the debate; (5) quality of Q&A sessions; and (6) group athmosphere.

The finald debate and presentation is evaluated by the responsible lecturers based on the following criteria: (1) content of the presentation during the debate; (2) structure of the presentation during the debate; and (3) layout of the presentation during the debate.

The evaluation of the deliverables counts for 16 points and the evaluation of the final debate and presentation counts for 4 points in the final score of 20 points on the level of the working group. The final individual score will result of a peer-assessment within the working group; the peer-assessment may lead to a differentiation of maximum plus or minus 4 points.

 

 

Information about retaking exams

No 2nd examination opportunity.

In case of an individual failure, there is no second attempt for evaluation possible during the January examination period.

There is no evaluation possible in the September examination period.