Methods of reconstructing the geographical environment Field of study: Geography
Programme code: W2-S2GF19.2025

Module name: Methods of reconstructing the geographical environment
Module code: W2-GF-S2-200
Programme code: W2-S2GF19.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
During the course, the student will explore various research methods that allow for the reconstruction of the geographical environment over the centuries. The student will become familiar with the analysis of landforms and sediments, which will allow them to identify geomorphological processes that shape the Earth's surface. They will also learn about dendrochronological methods, i.e. dating environmental changes based on tree rings, and the analysis of lake and peat bog sediments, which are a valuable archive of information about past vegetation, climate and human activity. The student will also learn to use fossil pollen (palynological analysis) to reconstruct the composition of past flora and climatic conditions, as well as to learn about the analysis of fossils and plant macroremains, which provide direct evidence for the existence of specific plant species and formations in the past. The subject also covers issues related to absolute and relative dating of geological and environmental events, which will allow the student to precisely place the reconstructed phenomena in time. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of data from various sources and their integration in order to create a coherent picture of the past environment.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
has in-depth knowledge of natural sciences enabling the perception of relationships and dependencies between animate and inanimate nature [W2-GF-S2-200 _1]
 KGG2_W01 [2/5] KGG2_W04 [1/5]
has knowledge of the principles of research planning using selected research techniques and tools used in palaeobotany and palaeozoology [W2-GF-S2-200 _2]
 KGG2_W02 [3/5]
uses advanced techniques and research tools in the field of reconstruction of the natural environment [W2-GF-S2-200 _3]
 KGG2_U01 [3/5]
collects and interprets empirical data and, on this basis, formulates paleoenvironmental conclusions [W2-GF-S2-200 _4]
 KGG2_U03 [1/5]
is able to independently and critically supplement knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary dimension (in the field of geographical and biological sciences) [W2-GF-S2-200 _5]
 KGG2_K01 [2/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
laboratory classes [W2-GF-S2-200 _fs_1] 25 Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Working with a computer [d01] 
Working with another teaching tool [d03]  		course work W2-GF-S2-200 _1 W2-GF-S2-200 _2
lecture [W2-GF-S2-200 _fs_2] 15 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Monographic lecture [a02] 
Problem-based lecture [b01]  		course work W2-GF-S2-200 _3 W2-GF-S2-200 _4 W2-GF-S2-200 _5
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Consulting materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus [a04] Preparation for classes
agreeing on materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus, supporting the implementation of tasks resulting from or necessary for class participation
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Consulting the schedule [b03] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
getting acquainted with the class schedule, possibly in the presence of the year tutor, in order to optimize participation in classes, including those supplementary to the core subjects listed in the pursued study programme
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)