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:

• Trips in groups/rope teams, in accordance with current safety standards and guidelines on glaciers with easy to moderate levels of difficulty

• Planning trips according to ability
• Equipment and its correct use during glacier hikes and rescues
• Approved methods used in rescue
• Glaciology
• Weather in mountainous regions
• The history of glacier hiking

Skills

The candidate can demonstrate and explain:

• Crampon and rope team techniques when moving together
• Rescue techniques using approved methods
• The use of a map and compass on glaciers

General competence

The candidate can:

• Take care of his/her 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 culture topics related to glacier walks
• Plan and execute trips and courses on glaciers of easy to moderate degrees of difficulty
• Demonstrate that one can act as a rope team leader if the situation demands it

Course Description

• Glacier walking – easy to moderate degree of difficulty
• Walking on light blue ice, correct and appropriate use of crampons and ice axes, anchoring in ice, rope team routines
• Rescue on snow and ice, 2:1 and 6:1 pulley system, rigging belay station anchor/rappel anchor
• Rope team on moderate blue ice: finding the route on ice, natural anchors, guiding anchors, leading the rope team
• Summit trip, including orientation and route identification
• Glaciology and formation of the landscape by glaciers

In terms of content and level, the course is comparable to the Norwegian Mountain Forum's (NF) Introduction to Glaciers course. Students will receive a diploma after completing the course

Teaching and Learning Methods

5 lectures

7 days with supervisor

6 days of individual trips

Assessment Methods

100% mandatory participation in practical activities: assessed on a pass/fail basis.

A 3-day home examination counts for 100% 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.

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