Aquatic ecosystem ecology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course contains two modules:
Module 1. Project 4 credits. A project where students plan and conduct a scientific study to test an ecological issue.
Module 2. Theory, 3.5 credits. Enhanced theory block focused on size-structured dynamics, habitat connection and behavioral response effects for the population and community dynamics and the dispersion and colonization processes in aquatic ecosystems.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, for the grade Passed, students should be able to:

Module 1. Project 4 credits
1. Plan and carry out a scientific project, compile the data obtained, critically analyze and evaluate the results and report the projekt both orally and in a scientific report.

Module 2. Theory, 3.5 credits
2. Explain mechanistic and analyze the impact of size-structured dynamics, habitat connection and behavioral response effects for the population and community dynamics and eko system function.

3. Describe the theory and analyze the distributional and colonization processes mechanistically in aquatic ecosystems, and describe the implications of these for different species distribution patterns.

After completing the course, for the grade Passed with Distinction, students should be able to:

4. Predict effects of ekological processes in aquatik ecosystems

Required Knowledge

120 ECTS credits including Aquatic ecosystems 5BI 247, 7,5 ECTS, or 120 ECTS credits including 90 ECTS credits in biology. 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

Teaching is in the form of a group project with both a written and oral presentation of the work and lectures. The project work, presentations and group discussions are mandatory

Examination modes

Examination takes place through oral and written presentation of project work and a written home exam. The rating given the project work are Fail (U) or Pass (G). The rating given on the home exam on the entire course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). 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. Anyone who pass the tests can not retake them to obtain higher grades. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts are approved. The grade of the course is a summary of all examinations and is set only after all mandatory elements are approved. A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a class, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 chap. 22§). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.

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.