Introduction

The world is currently facing major challenges related to climate change and the spread of pollutants to air, soil and water. Good knowledge about ecosystems in the water and on land and how to manage and handle various contaminants affecting these systems is crucial for the sustainable management of natural environments and the protection of human health. A broad scientific basis is important since the solutions to most of the environmental problems we are facing require interdisciplinary understanding and approaches.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Bachelor of pollution and the environment is for students who want to work in the public or private sector on issues related to pollution of soil, water and air, water supply, sewage and waste, noise issues, indoor air quality, radiation, etc. Today there are few similar programs in Norway.

Admission requirements are general study competence or practical competence/practical experience.

Aim of the Programme

Students who have completed studies in Pollution and the Environment have good knowledge about environmental factors that affect health and the environment and a good understanding of key processes and mechanisms. With their expertise they will help to ensure a good environment for present and future generations. After graduation they will be able to work with relevant tasks (pollution issues, water supply, sewage treatment, waste management, safety, risk assessments, planning, etc.) both in the public and private sectors.

The program also provides a good basis for further studies in natural / environmental sciences.

Learning outcome

After completing the bachelor's program in Pollution and the Environment the students should have the following qualifications defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of physical, chemical and biological environmental factors that may have negative effects on health and the environment
• Detailed knowledge of selected topics, processes and mechanisms related to key environmental factors and their effects (see course descriptions)
• Knowledge of relevant government regulations, management and planning

Skills:
• Be able to apply their professional skills to make choices / conclusions in theoretical and practical issues within the relevant field
• Have the ability to reflect on their own scientific conclusions and adjust if necessary
• Be able to locate, assess and demonstrate scientific information and present this orally and in writing
• Be able to use relevant government regulations in management, planning and impact assessment
• Be able to deal with controversial issues regarding the use and management of nature and the environment

General qualifications:
• Have a good basis for an active and realistic community involvement in the relevant fields
• Be able to convey the central subject matter, different values ​​and experiences orally and in writing, both to the public and within professional contexts
• Be able to plan and implement a variety of professional tasks and projects alone or as a participant in a larger group

Curriculum and structure

Electives Elective 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. A project assignment may be chosen as an alternative to the elective courses listed below. 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 student involved and in such a way that the academic level of the study programme is maintained.

Pollution and the Environment Bachelor’s degree programme Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) 4014 Biology and the Environment 10.00 O 10           4006 Climate, Energy and the Environment 10.00 O 10           4013 Mathematics and Biostatistics 10.00 O 10           4015 Botany and Zoology 10.00 O   10         4016N Natural Sciences and Views on Nature - internet based 10.00 O   10         4009 Geology and Landscape 10.00 O   10         4260 Microbiology 10.00 O     10       4101 General Chemistry 10.00 O     10       4111 Organic Chemistry and Gene Technology 10.00 O     10       4503 Freshwater ecology 10.00 O       10     4216 Hydrology and Groundwater 10.00 O       10     4112 Physical planning and environmental law 10.00 O       10     4259 Noise Pollution and Air Hygiene 10.00 O         10   4256 Water Supply, Drainage and Waste 10.00 O         10   4040 Bachelor's Thesis 30.00 V         10 20 4267 HSE, internal control, risk and vulnerability analysis 10.00 O           10 5702 Geographical Analysis 10.00 V           10 6032 Sustainability Management 10.00 V           10 Total: 30 30 30 30 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

First and part of the second year of study provides fundamental knowledge about the climate, geology, biology, ecology, microbiology and chemistry. In the second and especially third year, key topics related to pollution and environmental will be reviewed. Examples are challenges related to the use and management of surface water and groundwater (in according to The EU Water Framework Directive), sewage and waste treatment, noise, indoor air quality, radiation, HSE, internal control, risk and vulnerability analysis. Environmental legislation, land planning and use of digital maps (GIS) is also part of the program.

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 be 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 ensure 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 practical test or 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 is stated in the course descriptions.

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