HFX204 Reindeer Husbandry

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Øystein Holand

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Course frequency:Odd years

Nominal workload:125 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Spring parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Spring parallel.

About this course

The course presents the historical development of reindeer husbandry, with special focus on Saami reindeer husbandry in Norway. The significance of geology and climate for the quality and division of seasonal grazing areas is analysed. The quality and quantity of the forages vary in time and space and is analysed within a landscape ecology perspective. Herd productivity is analysed with the use of population dynamics and life history theory. Through the course, we also follow the political context (economic and legal) in which reindeer husbandry operates. Focus will be on landuse management issues within the Saami areas. The challenges for a sustainable reindeer husbandry will be discussed.

Learning outcome

The goal is to give a comprehensive presentation of the reindeer industry, nationally and globally, as a pastoral production system under extreme climatic conditions, in which the interaction between the fodder resource, reindeer and humans constitutes the essence. The course will prepare students to work as advisors within reindeer husbandry, and is a must for students interested in the Saami"s land use and rights. The theoretical basis of the course should create the interest and competence needed in order to take a Master"s degree within reindeer-related topics. The course is interdisciplinary.
  • Interactive lectures, group work on selected topics followed by oral presentations and discussions in the class.
  • The teacher will be available for consultations during office hours.
  • It is assumed that students taking the course have general knowledge of biology.
  • 3 hours written examination.
  • An external examiner will assess each examination paper individually.
  • 30 hours lectures. 30 hours semnar/presentation.
  • Letter grades
  • Special requirements in Science