Introduction course for the bachelor programme Environment and Natural Resources. The course has three elements: 1. Lectures and discussions on environmental sciences related to UNs sustainable development goals. The lectures are partly based on handouts and partly on the book Principles of Environmental Science by Cunningham & Cunningham. The book introduces the reader to central environmental issues related to pollution, sustainability, global change and population growth. The course highlights interdisciplinary environmental challenges and focus on relationships between climate and environment and effects of human activity on the environment. Ecosystem functions, food production, pollution and water quality are important topics in the course. Possibilities and challenges for sustainable development are key topics. 2. Seminar based on relevant topics. 3. Group works on selected environmental topics related use of resources, land use, pollution and climate as proposed by the research groups at sections for soil and water sciences and environmental chemistry (at MINA, who also provide supervisors). Reporting consists of a written text (15 pages) and an oral presentation for the whole class.

The students should have knowledge on fundamental parts within the basic subjects relevant for understanding essential relationships within 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 biogeochemical processes and how the impact of human activity such as pollution, population growth and land use affect the environment (3). The students should have knowledge about the UNs sustainable development goals and exemplifying why environmental science is important achieving these goals (4). Based on seminars, group work and following submission of essays, the students are expected to apply knowledge to analyze and evaluate central challenges and opportunities related to human activity and sustainable development (5).

Lectures and seminars. Groupwork. 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.

Cunningham, W. & Cunningham, M., 2020. Principles of Environmental Science, 9th Edition. Selected articles and lecture notes.

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 and presentation 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.