This syllabus is valid: 2023-01-02
and until further notice
Course code: 5MI106
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Environmental Science: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Earth Science/Physical Geography: 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
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2022-08-25
Contents
The course is directed towards the analyses of environmental changes and the understanding of their causes. By using different types of scientific information and data, the aim is that the students should be able to determine when an environmental change has occurred, what was the cause of the change, and what the consequences of this change might be. We will discuss how background or reference conditions as well as natural variability relates to our understanding of environmental changes.
The course is divided into the following modules, which run in parallel: Module 1. Analyses of environmental change, theoretical module, 7,5 credits Here we discuss natural variability and environmental change from different time perspectives. This module is divided into several themes that deal with different aspects of environmental change.
Module 2. Analyses of environmental change, projects module, 7,5 credits This part of the course consists of one or several projects. An important part of the work within these projects is to use relevant scientific information (e.g., literature and analytical data), and to link this to the theoretical part of the course. All mandatory practical parts of the course, e.g., laboratory work and workshops, are also included in this module
Expected learning outcomes
After the course, for the grade Pass, the student should be able to: FSR 1 show basic understanding on how sampling and analytical methods might affect the interpretation of environmental data, FSR 2 make scientifically based contributions to the seminar discussions that are a part of the course, FSR 3 use scientific methods to explain and discuss different types of environmental changes and their causes
After the course, for the grade Pass with distinction, the student should be able to: FSR 4 Demonstrate an analytical capacity within the framework of problems/themes covered in the course, FSR 5 Critically evaluate scientific data/information and synthesize new conclusions in relation to established knowledge (e.g., from peer-reviewed scientific articles) within the subject field
Required Knowledge
120 ECTS-credits of which 60 ECTS-credits (including at least a 15 ECTS-credit independent project (e.g., the writing of a thesis)) in Physical Geography/Earth Science, Biology, Environmental health or Environmental Science; or its equivalence. English proficiency equivalent to English 6 from Swedish Upper secondary education.
Form of instruction
The course consists of lectures, laboratory exercises, workshops, seminar discussions and project work. Laboratory exercises, workshops, seminar discussions as well as the project work are (if not specifically state in the schedule) all mandatory.
Examination modes
Both oral and written examinations can be used during the course. On the seminar discussion as well as on a final exam (if used) the grades Not pass (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG) will be used. For the project work only the grades Not Pass (U) and Pass (G) are used. For the entire course the students will be awarded one of the following grades, Not pass (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG). For the grade Pass, the student must fulfill all expected learning 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. A student that has passed an exam may not retake it in order to get a higher grade. A student, who has passed two exams for a course or part of a course without an approved result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (HF chapter 6, 11b §). Requests for a new examiner are submitted to the head of department of Ecology, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.
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.
