Fundamentals and Applications of Dendrochronology Field of study: Geography
Programme code: W2-S2GF19.2025

Module name: Fundamentals and Applications of Dendrochronology
Module code: W2-GFO-S2-005
Programme code: W2-S2GF19.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 2
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The content of the module enables the student to understand the role played by paleoclimatic and dendroclimatic reconstructions in the analysis of climate change, at various spatial and temporal scales. The student learns about data sources, basic terminology, tree species most frequently used in dendrochronology, biological bases of dendrochronology, and statistical and IT tools. The student learns the basics of work in a dendrochronological laboratory (sample collection techniques, sample preparation, measurements of annual widths of wood rings). The student acquires skills in statistical processing of dendrochronological data (development of absolute chronology, bridge dating, standardization) and analyzing the degree of dependence between incremental chronologies and climate elements and air pollution, using IT and statistical tools. The student learns the basics of wood anatomy of various species and wood features used in the reconstruction of extreme events.
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]
the student has extended knowledge of paleoclimatology and dendroclimatology and the place of these branches of climatology in the Earth Sciences system. Knows and understands the relationships between the natural environment and human life and activity. Understands how adverse climate changes have affected socio-economic phenomena in the past at various spatial scales [W2-GFO-S2-005 _1]
 KGG2_W01 [1/5]
obtains and verifies meteorological data and indirect climatological data. Has in-depth knowledge of statistics, necessary for searching for relationships between tree growth and biotic and abiotic factors. Can use computer programs (including COFECHA, ARSTAN) for statistical analysis of collected samples. Using statistical methods, analyzes relationships between growth chronology and variability of climatic conditions and formulates appropriate conclusions on this basis. Understands how to use appropriate IT tools in the analysis of meteorological and dendrochronological data [W2-GFO-S2-005 _2]
 KGG2_W02 [3/5] KGG2_U01 [3/5] KGG2_U02 [3/5]
is able to apply the acquired dendrochronological knowledge to the analysis and interpretation of natural phenomena and processes, is able to indicate the factors that determine these processes and predict their effects. Is able to correctly interpret signals of changes in the natural environment based on the analysis of tree rings [W2-GFO-S2-005 _3]
 KGG2_U02 [3/5] KGG2_U04 [3/5]
the student is able to work in a group, is responsible for the correctness and quality of scientific information. Understands the need to familiarize oneself with the current state of research in the field of paleoclimatological reconstruction of climate change [W2-GFO-S2-005 _4]
 KGG2_K01 [3/5] KGG2_K02 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [W2-GFO-S2-005 _fs_1] 10 Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Working with a computer [d01] 
Working with another teaching tool [d03]  		course work W2-GFO-S2-005 _1 W2-GFO-S2-005 _2
laboratory classes [W2-GFO S2-008 _fs_2] 10 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Monographic lecture [a02] 
Problem-based lecture [b01]  		course work W2-GFO-S2-005 _3 W2-GFO-S2-005 _4
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)