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 information below is only for exchange students
Starts
3 November 2025
Ends
18 January 2026
Study location
Umeå
Language
English
Type of studies
Daytime,
100%
Required Knowledge
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
Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
Application code
UMU-A5000
Application
This application round is only intended for nominated exchange students. Information about deadlines can be found in the e-mail instruction that nominated students receive.
Notification of admission will be sent in end of May.
