Introduction course for the bachelorprogramme Environment and Natural Resources. The course has three elements: 1. Lectures on environmental sciences,environmental ethics, energy- and resource policy. The lectures are partly based on handouts and partly on the book Environmental Science by Botkin and Keller. The book introduces the reader to central environmental issues related to pollution, sustainability, global changes and population growth. 2. Seminars based on relvant topics. 3. Group works on selected environmental topics as proposed by the research groups at IMV (who also provide supervisors). Reporting consists of a written text (15 pages) and an oral presentation for the whole class + all supervisors.

The students should have knowledge on fundamental parts within the basic subjects relevant for understanding essential relationships within the environmental science (1). The students should be able to elaborate and give examples on key terms within the subjects taught in the course (2). The students should understand concepts of key ecosystem- and biogeochemical processes and how the impact of human activity (pollution, population growth, land use) affect the environment (3). The students should be able to evaluate statements related to science, environmental and energy related political issues (4). Based on group work and following submission of essays, the students are expected to apply and combine knowledge taught in the course to elaborate on central challenges related to human activity and sustainable development (5).

Lectures/seminars. Groupwork/exercises.Excursion. Group work/projects/exercises.

The course has a website in Canvas where you will find information. The teachers will be available for questions during the office hours. Some teachers at MINA will supervise the group project throughout the courses.

Read at lest one "popular" book on cosmology, ecosystem, environmental issues or evolution. Examples: J Diamond (Guns Germs and Steel, or Collapse), Tim Flannery (Here on earth), James Lovelock (Revenge of Gaia, or another), Markus Lindholm (Evolusjon, naturens kulturhistorie)

August block: Excursion, development of the first draft for a term paper, presentation of the draft in plenum. Autumn parallell: Submission (and oral presentation)of termpaper in the middle of the semester with opportunity for revision before the end of the semester. Participation at seminars including introductory lectures and subsequent group presentations of selected articles.

Written exam (2 hours) counts 75%, the written term-paper counts 25%. Both parts of the exam has to be passed. Grading system A-E / Not passed.

300 hours.

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)

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Three weeks in the August block and 4 hours/week in the Autumn parallell. Excursion: 3 days. Lectures/seminars,semester assignment with group work and guidance from teacher.

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The examiner will approve the exam questions,themes for the assignments, and the written reports.