Ecosystems and Environmental Challenges
We start by looking at how energy and important elements circulate in the ecosystem. This is the important basis for understanding how different kinds of pollutant move from their source to living organisms. We build on this knowledge to understand how different kinds of pollution damage nature.
The biological communities in our ecosystems are connected follwing distinct patterns and processes; an understanding of this is also a central part of this course. We conclude by diving deeper into two central themes: the effects of climate change at the landscape level, and how nitrogen deposition affects plant communities.
The subject is reserved for students of the following study programmes:
- Nature Management, Bachelor's Programme
- Forestry, Bachelor's Programme
Other students can get admitted if there are places available. Contact student advisor.
After completing the course, the student must have obtained:
Knowledge:
- Has knowledge of how both energi and elements are transported within ecosystems and how they are transformed though natural and anthropogenic processes.
- Has an understanding of the effects of various tyoes of pollution on organisms, populations and ecosystems.
- Understands how species communities come about as a result of interactions between species, environmental factors and stochastic processes.
Skills:
- Can interpret how ecosystems are influenced by humans.
- Can communicate basic knowledge about environmental toxins and other pollution problems.
General competance:
- Can use different ways to disseminate information, both oral and written.
- Can see how conflicts of interest can influence the communication of environmental challenges.
Composite evaluation, all elements have to be passed to pass the module.
Group semester assignment (poster) counts 30%, graded A-F.
Group oral exam (presentation with questions) counts 30%, graded A-F.
Written examination of maximum four hours, counts 40%, graded A-F.
Pen, ruler, up to 2 bilingual dictionaries and calculator.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
BIO101 - Chemistry and Environment - 3.5 credits
BIO201 - Ecology - 4 credits