Alpine Ecology, 15 Credits

Contents

During the course, the plant and animal species of the mountains and their habitats are studied with emphasis on factors and processes that determine their distribution and abundance. This includes studies of various species adaptations to the mountain environment as well as trophic interactions in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the climate, bedrock, hydrology and potential effects of climate change are treated. During excursions and field projects in the mountains theory and species identification is practiced as well as oral and written presentation.

Section 1, Theory. 7,5 credits
The study of abiotic and biotic factors that are particularly important for species in mountain ecosystems. This includes studies on mountain geology, climate and hydrology. In particular, how these factors affect the abundance and distribution of species. Specific topics include, species adaptations to mountain ecosystems, plant-microbe-soil interactions, and how biotic interactions influence species composition and dynamics. The moment also addresses possible effects of climate change. Throughout the course field excursions bring the theory into the field with hands-on methods for studying facets of mountain ecosystems. 

Section 2, Project. 7,5 credits
Students conduct a research project designed to highlight an ecological issue. Small groups conduct a research that includes the formulation of question and hypothesis based on available literature, planning and implementation of fieldwork, data analysis and hypothesis testing. Individuals present their results in a written scientific report. Students must provide critical feedback on other student's reports that is then incorporated into the final submission. The research project data and metadata must be submitted to fulfil the requirements of this moment.

Expected learning outcomes

After compleating the course, for the grade of Passed, the student should be able to:

Section 1
1. describe geological and climatological conditions in the mountain landscape
2. explain how different abiotic factors shape ecological communities in mountain landscapes
3. explain how species are adapted to the mountain environment
4. explain how species interactions influence species composition and dynamics
5. explain how different abiotic and biotic factors affect the reproduction and dynamics of species in the mountain environment
6. apply the course content to explain how climate change can affect processes and species in the mountains 

Section 2
7. plan, implement, and conduct a research project
8. demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize the full time spent on the field and laboratory work
9. individually write a report in a scientific format that includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion
10. critically review and comment on a corresponding work of another student in writing
11. incorporate the feedback in the report
12. submit research data and metadata to a data repository

After completing the course, for the grade of Passed with Distinction, the student should be able to:
13. synthesize new research results within the framework of problems/themes covered in the course
14. evaluate new data and conclusions in relation to international primary references (e.g., peer-reviewed journals) within the context of the course learning objectives

Required Knowledge

60 ECTS in Biology and/or Earth Science, including 15 ECTS in Ecology, or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

Teaching includes lectures, seminars, exercises, excursions as well as
project studies. Seminars, exercises, excursions and project studies are
mandatory.

Examination modes

Examination of section 1 takes place on a regular basis during the course through active participation of mandatory individual seminars and individual ritten assignments. Section 2 is examined by documenting the independent work in a individual written report according to the formalities that apply. The examination of section 2 also includes an individual written opposition to another report. On assignments, seminars, report and opposition, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is given. 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.On the whole course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG) is given. In order to be approved for the entire course, all exam and compulsory elements are required. The grade on the course is a summary assessment of the results of the examination's various parts and is only given when all required marks are approved.

Students who have failed, have the right to undergo a re-examination to obtain an approved grade. The one approved in a test may not pass a new test for higher grades.
A student who has passed two examinations for a course or part of a course without approved results is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (HF Chapter 6, Section 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Ecology andEnvironmental Science.

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 ends being offered.