GEO9850 – Basin Tectonics and Structures
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course covers the structural evolution of sedimentary basins, from plate-scale tectonic processes to the development of individual faults. Students utilize seismic data and field mapping techniques to analyse geological structures in the subsurface. We learn qualitative and quantitative methods to establish the timing of tectonic activity, controlling factors, and driving forces. We focus on the mainly brittle deformation of the upper crust on geological timescales and apply this knowledge to assess the impact of these structures on subsurface fluid flow.
Integrated basin analysis is relevant to hydrocarbon exploration, CO2 and hydrogen storage, geological waste disposal, geothermal systems, earthquake hazards, geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology.
Learning outcome
After finishing this course, you will be able to
- identify and describe faults, folds and other structures developed in the upper crust using geological and geophysical data
- interpret the development of the structures and infer their regional tectonic setting (e.g. extensional, strike-slip, contractional, salt basin)
- discuss the deformation mechanisms and controlling factors that influence the geometry of the structures
- assess the impact of structures on subsurface fluid flow by integrating datasets across different spatial scales (e.g. seismic data, field data, well data)
Admission to the course
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course includes a compulsory field course and excursions. A health and safety course for safety in the field must be passed before you can go on these:
Recommended previous knowledge
- GEO2130 – Structural Geology / GEL2130 – Structural geology (continued) or similar knowledge
- GEO3240 – Seismic Interpretation
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with GEO4850 – Basin Tectonics and Structures.
Teaching
The course is divided into thematic modules covering a different tectonic setting. There are typically 3 x 2 hours of sessions per week (subject to change). The teaching is delivered as a mix of lectures, interactive seminars and practical exercises throughout the semester.
There are three compulsory pieces of coursework that together contribute towards the final grade:
- Field map and report
- Literature review presentation
- Fault analysis project
In addition to the 3 pieces of coursework compulsory for all students, PhD candidates will complete an additional report on their fault analysis projects.
The field mapping component requires 5 days of compulsory fieldwork in Slemmestad early in the semester. The fault analysis project comprises the interpretation of 3D seismic data using industry-standard software.
Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the Student administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no).
We reserve the right to change the teaching form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.
General information about excursions at the Department of Geosciences
As the teaching involves laboratory and/or fieldwork, you should consider taking out separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance coverage as a student.
Examination
- Attendance from 5 days of compulsory fieldwork and an additional report for PhD candidates needs to be approved in order for the candidate to sit the final exam.
- The coursework counts 40% towards the final grade.
- The final exam counts 60% towards the final grade.
- Both the coursework and the final exam must be passed separately in order to pass the course.
The final exam is typically conducted as an oral exam. Depending on the number of students participating in the course, a written exam may replace the oral exam. This will be decided between the teacher and students with adequate notice.
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
It will also be counted as 1 of the 3 attempts to sit the exam for this course if you sit the exam for the following course:
Examination support material
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.