Arctic geoecology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course examines global environmental changes and their consequences for biogeochemical processes in arctic and subarctic ecosystems. Theoretical studies are combined with practical field studies. The course has a strong connection to on-going research.

The course is divided into two parts:

Part 1. Biogeochemical processes and the climate in Arctic and Subarctic environments, 7.5 ECTS credits
This part gives extended knowledge about biogeochemical processes in Arctic and Subarctic environments and how these affect the aquatic ecosystem. The linkage between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, transport of nutrients and green house gases are emphasized. Effects of past and present climate change on biological and geochemical processes and feedback mechanisms to the climate system are of special importance. The local climate and future climate change is discussed and excursions to different types of ecosystems is included.

Part 2. Project work, 7.5 ECTS credits
This part includes an extended study of abiotic/biotic processes in an arctic-subarctic ecosystem. The study can be conducted individually or in a group and be based on a combination of own sampled and previously published data. One part of the study should be field work and analysis of samples. The data should be evaluated and presented as a written report and at a seminar. The project work should be conducted in a scientific way.

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to:
Part 1
- analyse different biogeochemical processes in the Arctic and Subarctic environment and understand how these can affect the aquatic ecosystems
- understand the coupling between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and transport of nutrients and green-house gases in the Arctic and Subarctic environment
- analyse different effects of climate change on the Arctic and Subarctic ecosystem and understand feedback mechanisms of green-house gases on the climate system

Part 2
- conduct a project and present the results orally and as a written project report
- analyse, evaluate and discuss scientific reports

Required Knowledge

60 ECTS credits in biology or equvivalent knowledge.
English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training -minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below 4.5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible or TOEFL - minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT61 is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course in taught in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The teaching includes lectures, aquatic, terrestrial and paleolimnological field and laboratory techniques. An extended project work is obligatory. The project will be presented in a written report and at a seminar.

Examination modes

Examination of the course is both in the form of written exam and an oral and written presentation of a project. The project should analyze processes relevant for the subarctic-alpine communities. The grades on the written exam, the project and the course as a whole, are Failed, Passed and Passed 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 attampt to achieve a higer 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.
CREDIT TRANSFER
Credit transfers are always tried individually (See the universitys guidelines and credit-of-transfer-ordinance)