4D Earth

Module Coordinator:

Asst. Prof. Petra Jamšek Rupnik, PhD




The 4D Earth module focuses on comprehensive research into the Earth’s surface and subsurface, as well as the associated natural and anthropogenic processes and risks, employing interdisciplinary approaches. It addresses natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides, as well as the impacts of human activities on the environment, human health, and ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the sustainable use of geological resources and risk management.

 

Particular attention is given to the analysis of geological and anthropogenic processes that shape natural and urban landscapes, as well as to the development of advanced methods for studying them. Modern tools such as GIS, remote sensing, 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning facilitate spatial analysis and data interpretation to address current social and environmental challenges.

 

Students will learned about geomorphological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques and methods. They will also gain practical experience in exploring real-world cases. The module promotes a holistic understanding of environmental processes and fosters a critical approach to the sustainable management of space and natural resources.

Module Objectives:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of subsurface and surface processes and their impact on the environment, natural hazards, and society.
  • Train students with to use modern mapping, modelling, spatial analysis, and geophysical research methods, as well as interdisciplinary data integration for a comprehensive understanding of the natural environment.
  • Inform students with the dynamics of pollutants in different environmental spheres, processes affecting pollutant properties, and modern methodological and analytical approaches and techniques for collecting and interpreting data on pollutants in various environmental media.
  • Enhance competencies in hazard assessment, the implementation of preventive and remediation measures, sustainable management of natural resources, and the practical application of scientific findings.
  • Encourage the development of critical thinking and the ability to tackle complex environmental and societal challenges using innovative technologies and approaches.

Obvezni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Research seminar 1.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 2.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Environment and sustainable development

Assoc. Prof. Urban Šilc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Methodology in environmental and regional studies

Asst. Prof. Rok Ciglič, Ph. D. ,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Advanced Data Processing Methods in Geosciences

Asst. Prof. Gorazd Žibret, PhD,

ECTS: 6

Geochemistry of the Anthropocene

Asst. Prof. Miloš Miler, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Geo-Resource Management Principles

Asst. Prof. Gorazd Žibret, PhD,

ECTS: 6

Advanced Studies of the Earth’s Subsurface

Asst. Prof. Marjana Zajc, PhD,

ECTS: 6

Landslide Management

Asst. Prof. Mateja Jemec Auflič, PhD,

ECTS: 6

Geomorphology in Geohazard Studies

Asst. Prof. Petra Jamšek Rupnik, PhD,

ECTS: 6

Interdisciplinary Research in Earthquake Geology

Asst. Prof. Petra Jamšek Rupnik, PhD,

ECTS: 6

MODULE RESEARCH PROFILE

 

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Critical theory of institutions

Prof. Em. Werner Bonefeld, Ph. D. ,

Uroš Kranjc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

After neoliberalism: 21st century liberalism and its critics

Prof. Rado Riha, Ph.D.,

Tomaž Mastnak, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Visual epistemology

Prof. Jelica Šumič Riha, Ph. D.,

Asist. Magdalena Germek, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Alternative approaches for a green transition

Asst. Prof. Kaja Primc, Ph. D. ,

Lidija Živčič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

The lecturers of the Regional Studies module are mostly researchers employed at the Anton Melik Geographical Institute ZRC SAZU, but also external collaborators. The main topic of their research is spatial processes, which they address from a spatial / environmental, social and economic point of view.

They study regional development and regional policy, social and spatial changes such as climate, environmental, demographic change, economic crises, natural disasters, cultural aspects of landscapes, socio-geographical factors, such as socio-economic and cultural processes in individual areas. With their knowledge, they try to direct students to the recognition of spatial processes and space management adapted to the process in specific region.

Obvezni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Environment and sustainable development

Assoc. Prof. Urban Šilc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Methodology in environmental and regional studies

Asst. Prof. Rok Ciglič, Ph. D. ,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 1.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 2.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Participatory research and planning

Assist. Prof. David Bole, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Economic geography

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

European regional politics

Damjan Kavaš, Asst. Prof.,

ECTS: 6

Modern demographic processes

Asst. Prof. Maruša Goluža, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Spatial sociology

Assist. Prof. Pavel Gantar, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Strategic transport planning

Asst. Prof. Matej Gabrovec, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Spatial planning

Asst. Prof. Maruša Goluža, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Selected topics in rural development

Assist. Prof. Nika Private: Razpotnik Visković, Ph.D.,

Erik Logar, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Selected studies on natural disasters

Asst. Prof. Mateja Ferk, Ph. D. ,

Asst. Prof. Blaž Komac, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Human-environment relations: selected examples

Asst. Prof. Aleš Smrekar, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Social impact studies

Assist. Prof. Pavel Gantar, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Urban transformation: theory and practice

Assist. Prof. David Bole, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

The lecturers of the module Paleobiology and Sedimentary Geology are mostly researchers employed at the Ivan Rakovec Institute of Palaeontology at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. The institute specializes in three basic areas of geology: palaeontology, biostratigraphy, and sedimentology.

Research includes palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography and biostratigraphy of selected groups of organisms (diatoms, silicoflagellates, radiolarians, foraminifera, molluscs, corals and vertebrates), sedimentary geology of Mesozoic and Cenozoic carbonate platforms and deep-water basins, and geobiology of Tertiary and recent terrestrial carbonates, and geoarchaeology. The organisms studied by the Institute staff lived in different environments: on land (dinosaurs and other Cretaceous vertebrates, Quaternary mammals), in shallow coastal seas (benthic foraminifera, corals, sponges, molluscs) and in deep-sea intracontinental basins (radiolarians, diatoms, planktonic foraminifera), so their remains are found in very different sedimentary rocks. In the last decade, the Institute has put a special emphasis on sedimentology, which includes knowledge of the sedimentological characteristics of rocks as well as the age, diversity and ecology of the fossil inventory, allows comprehensive interpretation and reconstruction of different sedimentary environments, determines their mutual geographical position through time, and reconstructs the complex geological history of a given territory. Their research is mainly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various marketing projects. The lecturers have a wide international network. They have pedagogical experience at Slovenian universities and universities abroad and have participated in the mentorship of many students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Obvezni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Environment and sustainable development

Assoc. Prof. Urban Šilc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Methodology in environmental and regional studies

Asst. Prof. Rok Ciglič, Ph. D. ,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 1.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 2.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Biochronology and stratigraphic correlation

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Vertebrate evolution and paleobiology

Prof. Aleksander Horvat, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Selected topics in palaeontology

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Palaeobotany and palynology

Assist. Prof. Maja Andrič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Palaeoecology and taphonomy

Prof. Aleksander Horvat, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Carbonate geology

Assist. Prof. Andrea Martín Pérez, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Geochemistry of sedimentary carbonates

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

Prof. Aleksander Horvat, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

The lecturers of the Biodiversity and Ecology module are the researchers mainly employed at the Institute of Biology at ZRC SAZU. The main topic of their research is biodiversity, in the broadest sense of the word. 

They study patterns of biodiversity and the processes that change this diversity. Knowledge of patterns and processes allow making predictions about changes in biodiversity in response to environmental changes. The knowledge gained is the basis for research in conservation biology, through which they contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Slovenia and worldwide. Their research is partly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various national and international basic and applied projects. The lecturers have a broad international network in research and mentoring. They have teaching experience at Slovenian universities and abroad, they supervised numerous students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. Their students are familiarised with current methodology and latest findings.

Obvezni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Environment and sustainable development

Assoc. Prof. Urban Šilc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Methodology in environmental and regional studies

Asst. Prof. Rok Ciglič, Ph. D. ,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 1.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Research seminar 2.

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

The scientific method in biological sciences

Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Selected topics from plant ecology

Prof. Andraž Čarni, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Selected topics in animal ecology

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Animal behaviour

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Integrative zoology

Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Arachnology: introduction to field and laboratory research

Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Ecotoxicology

Assist. Prof. Paula Pongrac, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Treated content of the module is research output of generations of domestic and foreign karstologists that was further enhanced by lecturer’s research work. Since lecturers are active researchers and professionals within held courses, study is related to on-going national projects and research programme as well as actual international projects. All lecturers are a part of an international research community that guarantee relevant, topical and novel study content. Special emphasis is given to research methodology, where students handle modern technology on the basis of know-how of old one.

We are providing a broad potential where the only limitation for practical knowledge gathering is research motivation of a student. Due to diversity and multidisciplinarity of karstology a variety of actual and practical content is available, i.e. research and management of karst water, natural and cultural heritage on karst and (show) caves. Remarkably fundamental research is found within karst geomorphology, physical speleology with speleogenesis and structural geology on karst. All students are introduced into work in chemical and microbiological laboratories while more motivated are free to conduct advanced research in laboratories if secure.

Mandatory courses of the module

Karst geology

Prof. Martin Knez, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Karst hydrogeology

Assoc. Prof. Metka Petrič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Module elective courses with the course principals

Karst geomorphology

Assoc. Prof. Nadja Zupan Hajna, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Ecohydrological processes and pressures in karst

Assoc. Prof. Nataša Viršek Ravbar, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Karst and tectonic structures

Prof. Stanka Šebela, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Application karstology

Prof. Tadej Slabe, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Physical speleology and speleogenesis

Prof. Franci Gabrovšek, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

The lecturers of the module Paleobiology and Sedimentary Geology are mostly researchers employed at the Ivan Rakovec Institute of Palaeontology at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The institute specializes in three basic areas of geology: palaeontology, ( bio ) and sedimentology. Research includes palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography and biostratigraphy of selected groups of organisms (diatoms, silicoflagellates, radiolarians, foraminifera, molluscs, corals and vertebrates), sedimentary geology of Mesozoic and Cenozoic carbonate platforms and deep-water basins, and geobiology of Tertiary and recent terrestrial carbonates, and geoarchaeology. Their research is mainly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various marketing projects. The lecturers have a wide international network. They have pedagogical experience at Slovenian universities and universities abroad and have participated in the mentorship of many students. The organisms studied by the Institute staff lived in different environments: on land (dinosaurs and other Cretaceous vertebrates, Quaternary mammals), in shallow coastal seas (benthic foraminifera, corals, sponges, molluscs) and in deep-sea intracontinental basins (radiolarians, diatoms, planktonic foraminifera), so their remains are found in very different sedimentary rocks. In the last decade, the Institute has put a special emphasis on sedimentology, which includes knowledge of the sedimentological characteristics of rocks as well as the age, diversity and ecology of the fossil inventory, allows comprehensive interpretation and reconstruction of different sedimentary environments, determines their mutual geographical position through time, and reconstructs the complex geological history of a given territory. Their research is mainly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various marketing projects. The lecturers have a wide international network. They have pedagogical experience at Slovenian universities and universities abroad and have participated in the mentorship of many students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Obvezni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Research methods and techniques (analytical package)

Assist. Prof. Andrea Martín Pérez, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 3

Palaeontology and geobiology

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Carbonate sedimentary geology

Assist. Prof. Andrea Martín Pérez, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Geology of sedimentary basins

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Geostatistics and numerical modelling of geological processes

Prof. Franci Gabrovšek, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Quaternary geology

Prof. Aleksander Horvat, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Geochemistry of sedimentary rocks

Assist. Prof. Špela Goričan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Geoarchaeology and bioarchaeology

Prof. Aleksander Horvat, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

The lecturers of the Biodiversity, ecology and evolution module are the researchers mainly employed at the Institute of Biology at ZRC SAZU. The main topic of their research is biodiversity, in the broadest sense of the word.

They study patterns of biodiversity and the processes that change this diversity. Knowledge of patterns and processes allow making predictions about changes in biodiversity in response to environmental changes. The knowledge gained is the basis for research in conservation biology, through which they contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in Slovenia and worldwide. Their research is partly funded by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) and partly by various national and international basic and applied projects. The lecturers have a broad international network in research and mentoring. They have teaching experience at Slovenian universities and abroad, they supervised numerous students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. Their students will be familiarised with current methodology and latest findings.

Mandatory courses of the module

Fundamentals of ecology

Prof. Tanja Pipan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Habitats and nature conservation

Assoc. Prof. Urban Šilc, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Module elective courses with the course principals

The basics of biological processes

Asst. Prof. Matjaž Gregorič, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 3

Biology of subterranean habitats

Prof. Tanja Pipan, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 9

Environmental microbiology

Assoc. Prof. Janez Mulec, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Selected topics from behavioural biology

Prof. Simona Kralj-Fišer, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 3

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Cultural Geography

Asst. Prof. Jani Kozina, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Social geography of karst

Assist. Prof. Mateja Breg Valjavec, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Social innovations and territory

Assist. Prof. David Bole, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Heritage intepretation

Asst. Prof. Aleš Smrekar, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Enviromental behavior

Asst. Prof. Katarina Polajnar Horvat, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Sustainable development

Asst. Prof. Daniela Alexandra Teixeira da Costa Ribeiro, Ph. D. ,

ECTS: 6

Historical geography

Prof. Matija Zorn, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

MODULE RESEARCH PROFILE

Research projects of the vast majority of lecturers in Anthropology module are based on a long-term fieldwork and the originality of collected data in previously unexplored geographic areas and thematic fields. The researchers continuously develop new methodological approaches. They focus on exploring the ways of life, worldviews, concepts and languages among the peoples who live or have lived in different geographical regions and historical periods. They are also deeply engaged in developing new theoretical insights. These insights contribute towards better understanding of a vast variety of practices, ideas, internal logic of different societies and cultures and complexities of intersubjective interaction.

Their research projects follow contemporary ethical principles that reject essentialisms, gender and religious intolerance, and perception of the world, which characterized colonialism and imperialism. Connection to the programme Anthropological and spatial studies, of which several lecturers of the Anthropology module at the Postgraduate school ZRC SAZU are members, is available at the following website:

https://iaps.zrc-sazu.si/en/programi-in-projekti/anthropological-and-spatial-studies#v

 

Izbirni predmeti modula z nosilci in nosilkami

Anthropology of Fertility

Assoc. Prof. Duška Kneževič Hočevar, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Cosmology of Mesoamerican Societies

Prof. Ivan Šprajc, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Public anthropology, social engagement and activism

Assoc. Prof. Ana Hofman, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Anthropology of consciousness and practices of awareness

Asst. Prof. Maja Petrović Šteger, Ph. D.,

ECTS: 6

Research Methodology in Anthropological Linguistics

Prof. Borut Telban, Ph.D.,

Karmen Kenda-Jež, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Laughing politically: toward the anthropology of humor

Prof. Tanja Petrović, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Space and movement: towards anthropology of locations and migrations

Asst. Prof. Nataša Gregorič Bon, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6

Epistemological pluralism and “decolonizing” methods in ethnographic research

Assoc. Prof. Pirjo Kristiina Virtanen, Ph.D.,

ECTS: 6