Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Planning trips according to ability

• Trips in groups / rope teams in accordance with current safety standards and guidelines on glaciers from moderate to high degree of difficulty

• Equipment and its correct use during glacier walking and rescues
• Approved methods used in rescuing an injured person
• Glaciology
• Weather in mountainous regions
• The history of glacier walking

Skills

The candidate can demonstrate and explain:

• Crampon and rope team techniques when moving together in difficult areas
• Using fixed ropes
• Advanced rescue techniques using approved methods
• The use of map and compass under demanding conditions on glaciers
• The use of simple anchoring on rock, wedges, hexes and natural anchor formations
• Appropriate choice of methods, using crampons and ice axes under demanding conditions
• Physical and mental resiliency on demanding terrain and during difficult weather conditions

General competence

The candidate can:

• Ensure their own safety and that of the group on glaciers with a view to creating a safe learning space
• Demonstrate an awareness of didactics and methodology related to the training of beginners on glacier walks
• Communicate safe trip guidelines, procedures, organization and working methods in relation to beginners
• Communicate nature and cultural topics related to glacier walks
• Plan and execute trips and courses on glaciers from moderate to a high degree of difficulty

Course Description

• Glacier walking – moderate to a high degree of difficulty
• Walking on more demanding blue ice, correct and appropriate use of crampons and ice axes
• Anchors - ice and rock
• Rope team routines on glacier walks on demanding glacier falls
• Rescuing an injured person, using fixed ropes
• Rope team on demanding blue ice; finding the route on ice, natural anchors, intermediate anchors, leading the rope team
• Further knowledge of the history of glacier walking
• Further knowledge of glaciology, formation of the landscape by glacier

Teaching and Learning Methods

• 1 lecture
• 7 days with supervisor
• 6 days of individual trips

Tuition; reading of curriculum literature by students; training skills correspond to the learning outcomes described above. All practical teaching is obligatory.

A meeting will also be held concerning the planning of the teaching.

Assessment Methods

100 % compulsory participation is required in practical activities. The practical component counts for 60% of the course grade; a 4-hour written examination counts for 40% of the course grade. The course grade is awarded on a descending scale using letter grades from A to E for passes and F for fail.

The assessment methods are designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and competence, and ability to communicate the subject; please refer to the learning outcomes above.

In relation to content and level, the course provides candidates with a solid basis for application to glacier instructor courses in the NF scale (method courses and guide courses). Telemark University College is an approved organizer at level I in NF. Students will receive a diploma for the completion of trips and teaching after completing the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean