Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: 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: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2015-06-26
Contents
The course covers the physical, chemical, hydrological and ecological processes and their significance for the aquatic ecosystem structure and function. Consequences of elements dynamics and stoichiometry of productivity are treated as well as the importance of trophic interactions and size structure of the population and community dynamics.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student should be able to: 1. Explain the mechanisms and significance of metabolism of inorganic substances, dissolved organic matter, nutrients for the function and dynamics of aquatic systems. 2. Explain the mechanisms and consequences of, variation in food web structure and function of trophic interactions and dynamics in aquatic systems. 3. Actively contributing with qualified scientific viewpoints at seminar discussions 4. With a high degree of independence compile, analyze, orally and in writing present scientific literature within the main field of the course.
Required Knowledge
120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in earth science / physical geography, or 60 ECTS in Biology or 60 credits Chemistry and 30 ECTS in earth science / physical geography and 15 ECTS in Ecology, or 60 ECTS Environmental Science and 30 ECTS in earth science / physical geography and 15 ECTS in ecology, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A. 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 consists of lectures, seminars, presentations and field trips. Seminars, presentations and field trips are mandatory. The main part of the course consists of themes with the lecture series.
Examination modes
Examination takes place through oral and written presentation of seminar assignments and a written exam. The ratings given in the oral presentation of seminar assignments are Fail (U) or Pass (G). The rating given on the written exam and the whole course is Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). 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 the course is based on 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 course, 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.
Crediting Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested wether 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
There is a course curriculum appendix dated 150617
Literature
Valid from:
2017 week 35
The course literature is bawsed on scientific articles that will be provided during the course. Additional material may be presented by the teacher.
