About this course

This course explores the effects of global change on organisms, ecosystems, ecological processes and society. Upon completion, students will understand the different components of global change as well as the methodologies to study them. The course discusses a variety of global change topics, including: the Anthropocene, climate change, land-use change, pollution, non-native species, defaunation, etc. The course consists of weekly lectures and group activities where students discuss scientific articles.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student is familiar with the field of global change ecology, its theory, and its methodology.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, students will have the ability to:

  • Read and understand scientific literature
  • Synthesize complex ecological knowledge in a written and oral format
  • Think critically about scientific research in the field of global change

General competence

The student is familiar with the scientific field of global change. They are able to critically evaluate scientific publications and discuss topics relevant to the field of global change.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, discussion, and personal reading

  • Teaching support

    Teachers are available for questions during lecture and group discussions.

  • Syllabus

    The syllabus consists of a selection of curated scientific papers. These papers will be made available on Canvas.

  • Prerequisites

    ECOL200, or equal competence in general ecology

  • Recommended prerequisites

    It is recommended that students take BOT100, BOT130, ZOOL100 and ECOL200 prior to taking this course. However, ECOL310 is open to motivated students with a basic understanding of biology, the natural world, and scientific principles.

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment with 2 elements:

    1. An oral examination (60% of the course grade)

    2. Group work (40% of the grade)

    The oral examination lasts 30 minutes, during which students receive questions related to the topics discussed in the course. The group work consists of weekly assignments in which groups of students critically analyse scientific papers. Both elements must be passed to pass the course.



    Written hand-ins Karakterregel: Letter grades Oral exam Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Group assignements/written reports: K2 - Specified use of AI

    AI can be used for brainstorming and language polishing. The use of AI must be described with a brief explanation of which programs you have used and how the program has been applied in the text. The group is responsible for the final content of the text after the language polishing is completed.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The oral exam will be conducted together with an external examiner.

  • Mandatory activity

    First lecture, written reports and participation in group discussions.

  • Notes

    Registration for the course no later than 31 August. After this, the 50 places in the course will be distributed.

    Students that have not received a place in the course can meet at the first lecture. Free seats will be distributed after the first lecture.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 10 hours. Seminars and discussion groups: 20 hours.

  • Preferential right

    Students who has the course compulsory (M-ECOL). Then students enrolled in a relevant master program (M-NF, M-MILJØ, M-SF, M-BIOL)

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science