Theoretical environmental science, 15 Credits

Contents

During the course, students will acquire in-depth knowledge in one or a few areas within the subject Environmental Sciencey. Students will also acquire in-depth knowledge in scientific methods, increase their capability to criticize scientific literature and independently summarize current knowledge within the chosen subject area. The investigation will be presented in a written report, which will also be defended at a seminar. The course is conducted as an independent analysis based on literature (of scientific publications) under supervision. The course also includes reviewing and commenting on similar work.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student for the grade Pass (G) must be able to:
1. with a high degree of independence find and compile mainly research articles in the main area
2. analyze mainly scientific literature in the field
3. present in writing and orally mainly research articles in the main area
4. review and comment on a similar work orally and in writing

After completing the course, the student for the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) must be able to:
5. plan, execute and report on a project within the allotted time
6. present the compilation in writing with logical and communicative precision
7. evaluate different theories and results within the chosen subject area 
8. constructively discuss your own work
9. constructively oppose the other work

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS credits in environmental science, environmental healt, earth science or biology, or the equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. 
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The tuition is in the form of supervision and compulsory seminars

Examination modes

Examination of the course is in the form of a an oral and written presentation of a project. The report is to follow the instructions to authors for the department series of degree theses and literature studies. The examination also includesthe defence of the report at a seminar and opposition on another report, also at a seminar. The grades are Failed, Passed and Passed with distinction. For the grade Pass, the student must fulfill all expected study outcomes for the grade Pass. For the grade Pass with Distinction, the student must also fulfill all expected study outcome for the grade Pass with Distinction. A student that has performed two test for a course or part of a course without getting the grade passed, has the right to get a new examiner appointed, if there are no particular reasons against it (HF 6 chapter 22§). The request for a new examiner is sent to the prefect for the department of ecology and environmental science. A student who has achieved a passed grade on an examination may not retake this examination in order to attempt to achieve a higher grade. To pass the whole course, all tests must be passed and compulsory parts performed. The grade on the course is a combined assessment of all the different parts of the examinations and is awarded when all compulsory parts are performed.

Departures from the form of examination can be made for a student who has a decision for educational support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the syllabus's expected study results. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on a suitable examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student. Examiners may decide to deviate form the modes of assessment in the course syllabus for individual adaption in accordance with the Rules for grades and examination.

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular examinations) according to the rules in the syllabus that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the date of expiry of the previous course plan or the course ceased being offered.