About this course

The course is a continuation of previous water courses and focuses on pollution and processes in freshwater (lakes) related to eutrophication, erosion, acidification, pollutants, as well as agricultural and road runoff. It emphasizes assessing anthropogenic sources in relation to natural processes and dynamics in terrestrial and limnic systems. Responses to pollution in surface water are closely linked to hydrological processes. The course includes a rainfall-runoff model relevant to water quality. The course consists of lectures, group presentations and field trips to the upper parts of the Halden River Basin (mandatory) and NVE (relevant topics mandatory for the final exam).

Learning outcome

Learning outcomes after completing the exam:

Knowledge:

• Updated insight into pollution types and processes in freshwater (lakes).

• Understanding of natural variations in water quality.

• Knowledge of uncertainty in measured and calculated effects of pollution inputs.

Skills:

• Assess causes of water pollution and understand relationships between pollution sources and response in freshwater.

• Distinguish between anthropogenic and natural sources of nutrients, acidification, heavy metals, etc. in freshwater.

• Link hydrological processes and water quality in lakes as part of a comprehensive assessment of pollution at the catchment level.

General competence:

• Contribute to water research and knowledge-based and future-oriented water management

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, excursion, student lectures.

  • Teaching support

    Individual guidance and discussion as needed. Use of e-mail and Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    Reports, articles, textbooks and lecture notes.

  • Prerequisites

    VANN210 and VANN211 or VANN200.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    VANN220, JORD200, JORD210

  • Assessment method

    Oral exam: 100%.

    Grading scale A-E / Not pass.



    Oral exam Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Oral exam: K1 - No use of AI

    Mandatory activity: K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner is used for evaluating the course arrangements and assessing the oral exam.

  • Mandatory activity

    One to two excursions and student lectures.

  • Notes

    Students who want to take the course must apply for admission in Studentweb no later than August 31st. After that, the places in the course will be distributed.

    The course is thought in English on request.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 44 h. Student presntations: 6 h. Excursion: 2 full day.

  • Preferential right

    M-MILJØ, M-NF, M-ECOL.

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science