Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2021-06-21
Contents
The course deals with aquatic ekosystems structure and function. The course covers approximately equally ecosystem structure and function of running water, lakes and brackish water (Baltic Sea).
The course is divided into the following parts:
Part 1, Knowledge of species and biology, 3.5 credits Review and determination exercises for aquatic vascular plants, micro-algae, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and organisms' ecology.
Part 2, Theory, 7 credits This part is divided into the following sections:
Section 1, Abiotic factors structuring effect, 1 credit Physical, chemical and hydrological processes in aquatic water and its importance to the organisms and ekossystem function.
Section 2, basic production and consequences in födovävar1, 5 credits Primary production, bacterial production and overturning of detritus. Production, food webs in various habitats and the importance of ecosystem productivity.
Section 3, biotic processes, 4.5 credits Colonization and distribution of aquatic organisms. Habitat coupling and consequences of food webs. Trophic interactions in aquatic ecosystems.
Part 3, Project, 3.5 credits The project consists of a field study to answer an ecological problem involving more than one trophic level in aquatic systems. The project includes sampling, processing, compilation and reporting of results
Required Knowledge
120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in Biology of which 15 ECTS in Ecology or 60 ECTS earth science/physical geography and 15 ECTS in ecology, or equivalent knowledge. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). 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 course includes lectures, lessons, determination exercises, excursions and field projects and studies of scientific articles. Excursions and field projects are mandatory.
Examination modes
Part 1 concludes with a practical species identification examination. Part 2 is examined through a written examination. Part 3 ends with a written and an oral presentation. Part 4 concludes with an oral presentation. Parts 1, 3 and 4 are only graded; failed or passed. For part 2, as well as the whole course, the grades given are failed, passed och passed with distinction. Passing the course requires a minimum passing grade in all course sections. For VG required pass on parts 1, 3 and 4 and grade of Distinction on part 2. A student who has failed two tests for a course or part of a course, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (HF Chapter 6. § 22). The request for a new examiner is put to head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Those who pass the tests can not take a reaxamination for a higher grade. In order to pass the course, all examinations and compulsory modules must be passed. The grade represents an overall assessment of the results of examinations of different parts and is only set after all mandatory elements are approved.
Crediting More information on accreditation is found at Umeå University student web and in Högskoleförordningen (Chapter 6).
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
