Limnology 15 credits

About the course

Overall, this course addresses the fundamental physical, chemical, and ecological attributes of freshwater systems, including rivers and lakes. Laboratory work will introduce students to aquatic biota that are common to northern aquatic ecosystems, with an emphasis on how different organismal groups can be used to understand and monitor the ecological health and chemical status of rivers and lakes. In this context, students will conduct small group projects that explore how the diversity and composition of stream benthic communities can be used to assess environmental changes on land. Additional course lectures and discussions will then focus on a broader set of foundational limnological themes. These include how we understand the hydrological and thermal properties of lakes and rivers, how geomorphological processes (e.g., sediment transport) act to mediate the aquatic habitat template, how physical processes (e.g., lake circulation) drive the dynamics of key nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and finally how aquatic ecosystem processes (e.g., photosynthesis and respiration) can mediate elemental cycles and water quality. These themes will emphasis basic concepts and processes, but where relevant will also place these in the context of relevant environmental changes (e.g., climate change and nutrient pollution).

The course is divided into the following (two) modules:

Module 1. Freshwater organisms and biodiversity, 5 credits
The module provides an overview of aquatic fauna in northern rivers and lakes, illustrating how different groups can provide insight into water quality and ecosystem health. This section emphasizes practical laboratory work focused on benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy, life history, and ecology, including how these organisms are used in biomonitoring.

Module 2. Physical, chemical, and ecosystem attributes of freshwater ecosystems, 10 credits
This module introduces students to a broader set of topics in limnology, including an introduction to hydrology, sediment transport, and nutrient dynamics. Students will also learn how key ecosystem processes in freshwaters are regulated by the physical and chemical environment, and how these, in turn, shape the cycling and fate of carbon and nutrients.

Show syllabus

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Limnology
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  3 November 2025
  
  Ends
  18 January 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-50100
  
  Eligibility Univ: 60 credits biology of which 15 credits ecology or 60 credits earth science/physical geography and 15 credits ecology or 60 credits environmental science and 15 credits ecology, or equivalent knowledge. English B/6 and Swedish for basic eligibility for university studies if the education is given in Swedish.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 38,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 38,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

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