Introduction

The biological diversity on Earth has never been larger than it is today, but at the same time this diversity is being destroyed at a rate never before seen in the planet’s 4.5 billion long history. Human activities such as habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, overexploitation, introduction of alien species, and pollution are today responsible for that a large number of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. At the same time the human population is still growing, which will put an enormous pressure on the environment and the resources it contains. To manage nature in such a way so that it benefits both humans, plants and animals, there will in the future be a need for people with an extensive ecological knowledge of both the aquatic and the terrestrial environment. The study program will provide students with an ecological foundation relevant for working with issues and problems related to a sustainable nature management.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The Bachelor study in Ecology and Natural Resource Management is particularly aimed at those who wish to work with nature management, sustainable resource management or conservation biology. The study is also relevant for those who wish to pursue a career within ecological research (PhD).

Admission is based on the applicant’s general academic competence.

Aim of the Programme

Students with a completed bachelor degree in Ecology and Natural Resource Management should have acquired a sufficient academic background to be able to work with both present and future issues and problems related to ecology, nature management and sustainable resource management. They will be well familiar with both abiotic and biotic processes and mechanisms in aquatic and terrestrial environments, which will give the students a broad ecological platform of knowledge.

The bachelor study will primarily give the students competence within nature and resource management, and may qualify students for jobs in the public sector (e.g. the County Environmental Department) and in the private sector. Job positions may include wildlife manager, fisheries manager, natural resource manager, environmental consultant, mountain ranger, etc.

Learning outcome

After completing the bachelor study program, the students should have the following qualifications regarding knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

* Knowledge of the biological diversity found in Norway

* Broad knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological processes in different ecosystems

* Extensive knowledge of the ecological interactions between individuals, populations and species, and the environment that surrounds them

* Knowledge of the legal basis for natural resource management and area management

Skills:

* Based on the acquired academic skills be able to use these skills to make informed decisions, both within theoretical and practical problem-solving

* Be able to critically reflect on your own decisions and make adjustments when needed

* Be able to locate, evaluate and site scientific information, but also to present this information to the public

* Be able to find and use relevant public legislation for management tasks

* Be able to deal with value-laden and controversial questions related to the exploitation and use of the natural environment

General competence:

* Have an active and realistic commitment to the academic fields of ecology and natural resource management

* Be able to convey scientific results and experiences to the public and to the scientific community

* Be able to plan and execute a variety of tasks and projects, either alone or as a member of a larger group

Curriculum and structure

Ecology and Natural Resources, Bachelor’s Degree Study Programme Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) S7(A) 4006 Climate, Energy and the Environment 10.00 O 10             4011 Biology and the Environment 1 10.00 O 10             4008 Outdoor Life, Hunting and Fishing 10.00 V 10             4100 Mathematics for Ecologists 10.00 V 10             4012 Biology and Environment 2 10.00 O   10           4010 Man and Views on Nature 10.00 O   10           4009 Geology and Landscape 10.00 O   10           4105 Ecology 10.00 O     10         4208 Wildlife Ecology and Management 10.00 O     10         4101 General Chemistry 10.00 O     10         4503 Freshwater ecology 10.00 O       10       4102 Land-Use Management and Municipal Planning 10.00 O       10       4216 Hydrology and Groundwater 10.00 O       10       4207 Fresh Water Fisheries and Water Resource Management 10.00 O         10     4501 Alpine Ecology 10.00 O         10     4215 Environmental Law and Management 10.00 V         10     4505 Conservation Biology 10.00 O           10   4111 Organic Chemistry and Gene Technology 10.00 V           10   4209 Project Assignment 10.00 V           10   5700 Digital Geodata 10.00 V           10   5702 Geographical Analysis 10.00 V           10   Total: 30 30 30 30 30 30 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Optional courses marked with "V" may be replaced with other courses which are either pre-approved or approved on application. This should be confirmed with the department as soon as possible. Courses other than those listed below are normally not coordinated with other courses in relation to the timetable, so that if the student wishes to substitute one course for another he/she must confirm that this is possible well in advance. For example, this applies to 4504 Georesources and Ground Water, which may be replaced by 4216 Groundwater and Pollution, which is offered in the Bachelor's programme, Pollution and the Environment. Teaching is conducted in English to a greater or lesser degree in some of the elective courses, if there are foreign students who have enrolled on the course. Other optional courses taught in Norwegian, and with a different content, will be offered as an alternative to these courses. Examination answers or obligatory semester assignments may always be submitted in Norwegian. Special conditions: In special cases, an elective course in the table listed below may be replaced with another course. This would normally happen in consultation with the students involved and in such a way that the academic level of the study programme is maintained.

The first year of study will provide the students with general knowledge in biology, ecology, geology and climatology. In the second and third year of study the focus will be on more advanced theoretical concepts and applications within ecology and nature management. In the third year of study there are three mandatory courses (Freshwater fish and aquatic resource management, Alpine ecology, and Conservation biology), while the remaining courses are optional and can be chosen freely (for example ecotourism and digital mapping systems).

Internationalization

An exchange period (30 ects/one semester) abroad may be accepted as part of the degree. For more information, please visit: http://www.hit.no/eng/HiT/Student/Student-Exchanges

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching is based on lectures, field courses, field trips and laboratory exercises. Practical projects where students will be followed up with the necessary guidance, are central to the study. The projects make students well prepared for employment or further study. Relevant teaching and learning methods are described in the individual course descriptions.

Absence of up to 20% from a mandatory part of a course will be accepted if the absence is reported in advance. In the absence of more than 20% the student will not get this part of the course approved, and the student will not be eligible for preferential participation to the field/laboratory course next time it is set up.

Theory and Practical Training

Combining theory and practice is central throughout the study. This ensures both the knowledge and the necessary experience required to be prepared for employment or further study. The ratios between theory and practice varies (see course descriptions).

Assessment Methods

Most courses have a final exam. Many courses also have a mid-term assessment in the form of a written test. Many topics will also have term papers, field reports and/or laboratory reports as part of the assessment. The combination of these forms of assessment will together ensure the assessment of the knowledge, experience and skills that students should have after completing the bachelor. Current assessment methods for each course are stated in the course descriptions.

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