Analysis of environmental changes - Focus: long-term environmental problems, 15 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to provide a basic understanding of how scientific methods can be applied to study long-term environmental problems. During the course, we will primarily focus on environmental changes linked to pollution problems and landscape development, how different types of data can be used to determine when and why these changes have occurred in the environment, as well as what consequences these changes have. We will explore important concepts such as background conditions, reference states and natural variability, and how these affect our assessment of the state of the environment. We will also discuss how environmental processes leave traces in our surrounding, and how these traces can be used to understand more about how our environment has changed and is still changing.

The course is divided into the following two modules, which run in parallel during the course. Parts of the course are integrated with the course "Analyses of environmental changes - Focus: Biogeochemistry"

Module 1. Analysis of Environmental Changes, theoretical part, 7.5 credits
During the theory module natural variability and environmental change from a long-time perspective (centuries to millennia), with the overarching aim to increase the student's ability to apply a scientific approach when dealing with a complex problem.

Module 2. Analysis of Environmental Changes, project module, 7.5 credits
The module include project work where the students connect the theoretical parts from module 1 with practical aspects of analysing environmental changes. The aim of the module is to train students to be able to use relevant information (e.g., literature and analytical data) in a scientific way. An important part is to understand how data collection and data management affect how data can be interpreted. In addition to the practical elements, this module can also include lectures, seminars, workshops and group discussions.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should for the grade "Pass" (G) be able to:
1. Show basic understanding on how sampling and analytical methods affect the interpretation of environmental data
2. Show the ability to use scientifically based arguments when discussing environmental problems
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" (VG), the student should also be able to:
4. Demonstrate an analytical approach within the framework of problems/themes covered in the course
5. Be able to 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 work, exercises, workshops, seminar discussions and/or project work. Laboratory work, exercises, workshops, seminar discussions, as well as, the project work are (unless otherwise specified 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

Analysis of environmental changes- Focus: long-term environmental problems cannot be read at the same time as Analysis of environmental changes- Focus: Biogeochemistry, 15 credits.

Analysis of environmental changes- Focus: long-term environmental problems cannot be included in the degree together with Analysis of environmental changes- Focus: Biogeochemistry, 15 credits.

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.