EDS260 Global Environmental Changes

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Bishal Kumar Sitaula

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:120

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:125 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .

About this course

Definition of terms, introduction to earth system science and global change, anthropogenic global change (systemic and cumulative), land degradation, ecosystem processes, potential impacts of climate change on food and agricultural systems, climate change impacts on biodiversity, linkages of global environmental issues, global responses and local actions, carbon sequestration, land degradation, global water/glacier melting issues, conventions on desertification, conventions on biodiversity, transformation in changing climate, case studies, reflective/contemplative practice and prospects of sustainable future in changing environment,

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student is able to describe/explain

  • anthropogenic influences in the Earth system, and global change including ecosystem processes relating to climate change, land degradation, emission of greenhouse gases and their individual as well as aggregated impacts
  • key issues related to major global change at various contexts covering climate change, land degradation, soil and carbon sequestration, biological diversity, and food production
  • life cycle assessment, pathways for agriculture production, relevant international conventions and agreements
  • reflective/contemplative practice and prospects of sustainable future and concept of transformation in a changing climate/environment

Skills:

The student is able to

  • engage in thinking about anthropogenic influences in the Earth system
  • apply scientific knowledge to understand real-world problems
  • engage in academic discussion around environmental issues

General competence:

The student has a general overview and understanding of major global environmental challenges.

  • Lectures mainly on campus, some online lectures.
  • Written home exam on Wiseflow. Exam in English only. A-F.
  • External sensor will be used for the written exam.
  • 26 hr lectures
  • Letter grades
  • Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)