Introduction

In this study programme, students learn about the alpine ecosystems in Scandinavia and their relation to the environment. The courses are based on geological, climatologic, historical, cultural and biological studies, and students develop an understanding of alpine ecosystems. As alpine ecosystems are increasingly influenced by several types of environmental stress, management strategies have to be implemented in order to maintain the biodiversity for future generations. Several field trips will be organised as part of the courses in order to study species and ecosystems.

It is possible to join the study programme for one semester only (study code 867 og 863).

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Norwegian or foreign students that want to acquire deeper knowledge about ecological principles and environmental management in general, and alpine areas in particular. It will be a supplementary programme for students that have finished a basic one-year study program in environmental sciences and outdoor activities, teachers and others.

Admission requirements: One year of studies at university level in the fields of Basic Biology, Ecology, and/or Geography.

Aim of the Programme

Students get deeper knowledge in biology, ecology and environmental management as a basis for further studies at bachelor or master level in biology or outdoor activities. They will acquire good knowledge about ecological and management theory, get trained in field work, and the presentation of group work.

Curriculum and structure

Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management, one-year programme Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) 4501 Alpine Ecology 10.00 O 10   4502 Alpine Biodiversity and Climatic Change 10.00 O 10   4311 Ecological Methods 10.00 V 10   4507 Ecotourism Theories and Concepts 10.00 V 10   2606 Ecophilosophy 5.00 V 5   2612 Ecophilosophy, Term paper 5.00 V 5   2604 The Individual, Environs and Society (Friluftsliv) 5.00 V 5   2617 Introducing Norwegian Language 5.00 V 5   4505 Conservation Biology 10.00 O   10 4504 Georesources and Groundwater 10.00 O   10 4209 Project Assignment 10.00 V   10 4508 Ecotourism - Methods and Practices 10.00 V   10 5021 Sustainability Management 10.00 V   10 5401 Tourism and the Environment 5.00 V   5 Total: 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean. Elective courses may vary from one academic year to another.

The courses 4502 Alpine Biodiversity and Climatic Change and 4311 Ecological Methods are MSc courses, and master students are given priority if many students want to study these courses.

The study programme covers the following subject areas:

• Environmental characteristics of Scandinavian mountains
• Geology and ecology of glacial environments
• Alpine ecosystems
• The most common species of plants, animals, fish, and birds in alpine areas
• Adaptation of the living organisms to alpine environments
• Principles of conservation biology with focus on alpine areas
• Gradients in biodiversity
• Water resources and aquatic ecology
• Use and management of alpine areas

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, excursions, laboratory courses, seminars with student presentations, mandatory reports and papers. The excursions and laboratory courses are mandatory.

Assessment Methods

Individual written exams, group project (reports)

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean