Course code ECOL310

ECOL310 Global Change Ecology

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2020 - 2021 .

Course responsible: Gustaf Mikael Olsson
Teachers: Erik Trond Aschehoug
ECTS credits: 10
Faculty: Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management
Teaching language: EN
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
40
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .
Course frequency: Annually
First time: Study year 2005-2006
Preferential right:
Students who has the course compulsory. Then students enrolled in a relevant master program..
Course contents:
The course consists of 10 different topics. Each topic is introduced through an introductory lecture. The candidates then independently read two original, scientific publications on the topic, and every candidate must submit a written report with questions and answers for each of the scientific publications. The content of the scientific publications is presented and discussed in student groups. 
Learning outcome:

Knowledge

Students will have good knowledge of cutting-edge research on global changes and their influence on various organisms and ecosystems. In addition, the students will have an understanding of the complexity and functions of ecosystems. The course will also provide the students with good knowledge of the scientific publishing process and ability to study original scientific publications.

Skills

The candidate will be able to synthesise and acquire information from scientific publications and be able to communicate this material orally. The candidate should have good skills in the application of the subjects, ideas and methods, as well as in analysis and interpretation of results.

General competence

The course seeks to develop the candidate"s ability to understand and evaluate the complexity and diversity of nature. Special emphasis will be placed on illuminating the significance of interaction between organisms, and between organisms and their environments. Ethical aims are to convey humility towards organisms" ability to survive and reproduce under harsh environmental conditions.

Learning activities:
Lectures to introduce different aspects of global change ecology, and group-discussions where the teacher is present, independent reading, and independent work in the form of writing reports on original scientific publications.
Teaching support:
The candidate's learning can be supported through academic guidance during the teacher's office hours.
Syllabus:
Recent original scientific publications (20 articles in total).
Prerequisites:
BOT100, BOT130, ZOOL100 and ECOL200.
Recommended prerequisites:
Mandatory activity:
First lecture, written reports and participation in group discussions.
Assessment:
An oral examination (30 min) at the end of the course accounts for 3/5 of the course grade. The quality of the written reports, and the candidates  performance in the group discussions accounts for 2/5 of the course grade. Here is the quality of the written reports of most importance. All of the evaluated elements in the course must be passed to pass the course.
Nominal workload:
Lectures: 10 hours. Seminars: 20 hours. Preparation for presentations, seminars and exam: 270 hours.
Entrance requirements:
Special requirements in Science
Reduction of credits:
-
Type of course:
Lectures: 1 hour per week for 10 weeks = 10 hours. Seminars and discussion groups = 20 hours.
Note:
Students that are not able to register for exam in the course can meet at the first lecture. Free seats will be distributed after the first lecture.
Examiner:
Quality assurance of the course by the use of an external examiner with good knowledge of the level of the subject at national as well as international teaching institutions.
Examination details: :