Introduction

Joint master program in cooperation between Telemark University College, Department of Environmental And Health Sciences (Høgskolen i Telemark, Institutt for natur-, helse- og miljøvernfag (HiT-INHM)) and the University of Agder, Department of Natural Sciences (Universitetet i Agder, Institutt for naturvitenskapelige fag (UiA-NatVit)).

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Admission requirements

BSc including a minimum of 80 ECT in relevant natural sciences. Average character: C.

Recommended background.

A background in aquatic ecology as part of the BSc program is an advantage.

Aim of the Programme

Aquatic ecology is the study of the interaction between organisms and their environment in water bodies. Water, which is a prerequisite for life, covers most of the Earth’s surface and supports complex ecosystems. These delicate systems are increasingly affected by pollution and climate change. Environmental, climatic and ecological consequences of both natural and anthropogenic processes are therefore of relevance to decision-making at all levels of society.

The study will provide the background needed for sustainable management of the natural environment. At the same time it will reflect the fact that this knowledge is in a process of continuous reseach-based development. Training in collection of relevant information - sample collection, laboratory work, and published material - together with systematising and publication in a scientifically correct manner are central themes.

Independent work is emphasised. The student will learn to understand and critically interpret scientific publications, methods and research results.

Learning outcome

After completing the study program, the candidate should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• have advanced knowledge of freshwater ecology and marine ecology

• have extensive knowledge of key processes, scientific theories and methods related to aquatic ecology

• be able to apply the acquired knowledge in new fields and issues in the field of aquatic ecology

Skills:

• be able to analyze existing theories , methods and interpretations in the field of aquatic ecology and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving

• use appropriate methods to research and professional development in an independent manner

• be able to analyze and think critically about information sources and apply them to structure and formulate scientific reasoning

• implement and disseminate an independent , limited research or development project under the supervision and in accordance with applicable ethical standards

General competences:

• be able to analyze relevant academic , professional and research ethics

• be able to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas

• be able to pass extensive independent work

• communicate about issues , analyzes and conclusions, both specialists and the general public

• contribute to innovation in the innovation process

Curriculum and structure

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) 4301 Natural Science Methods 10.00 O 10           4323 Applications in Water Science 10.00 O 10           4327 Pollution and Microbiology 10.00 V 10           4311 Ecological Methods 10.00 V 10           4326 Molecular Genetics 10.00 V 10           Total: 30 0 0 0 0 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) 4308 Ecotoxicology 10.00 O   10         4324 Georesources and Groundwater 10.00 O   10         4325 Boundary Layer and Local Climates 10.00 V   10         4328 Applied Genetics 10.00 V   10         4316 Special Syllabus 10.00 V   10         4329 Supervised Project 10.00 V   10         Total: 0 30 0 0 0 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) BIO402-1 Applied Molecular Genetics 10.00 O   10         BIO400-1 Fisheries Oceanography 10.00 O   10         BIO401-1 Environmental Processes and Global Change, Managing Coastal and Marine Environments 10.00 O   10         Total: 0 30 0 0 0 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Structure

Tabell 1: Structure of MSC program in aquatic ecology

1st semester Location: Bø, HiT.	4301 Natural Science Methods (10 ECT)	4323 Applications in water science (10 ECT)	Elective course (10 ECT)
2nd semester	30 ECT specialisation within one of the belowe: Freshwater Ecology (HiT, Bø) Marine ecology (UiA, Kristiansand) Opphold ved partnerinstitusjon innen-/utenlands
3rd semester	XX-XXX MSc Project (60 ECT)
4th semester

• Applied Molecular Genetics is mandatory for those who choose specialization in marine ecology, but the subject can also be chosen by students taking Freshwater Ecology. BIOXXX Applied Molecular Genetics overlap with 4328 Applied Genetics, and students cannot take both courses.

Limitation on certain elective courses

Some topics have admission restrictions, see the course description.

There must be a sufficient number of registered students for an elective course must be completed. If there are too few participants may be exposed to next year possibly in special cases go out. This would occur in consultation with students and in such a way that the level is maintained.

Internationalization

x

Teaching and Learning Methods

In addition to lectures, the emphasis on laboratory - and field-oriented teaching. It will also set requirements for independent work from the students as teaching extensively based on presentations, puzzle solving and problem-based learning. Digital learning methods may also be appropriate .

As far as possible, the teaching of individual subjects conducted intensively based on weekly modules. It provides a more flexible study program for students with regard to mission work. Most courses are taught in English.

Theory and Practical Training

The relationship between theory and practice

Combining theory and practice is central throughout the program . This means that students get both the knowledge and the experience it takes to be prepared for employment or further study. The ratio between theory and practice varies ( see course descriptions) .

assessment

The courses included in the Master's program , evaluated separately and the grades are recorded on the diploma. Many topics have term papers, field reports and / or lab reports as part of the assessment, possibly in addition to the final exam. The combination of these forms together will ensure the knowledge, skills and expertise that students should have after masterløp . The assessment for each course is stated in the course descriptions .

In the master race includes two compulsory oral presentations ( progress 1 and 2). Here , students will present their papers in a forum consisting of academic staff and other masters students.

After the Master's thesis is submitted and evaluated , will be held oral exam associated with the task. The character of the master thesis is determined by the oral examination .

Censorship and grading is subject to the UHR recommended guidelines for assessment of dissertations in MST subjects ,

http://www.uhr.no/index.php?objectId=3899&method=contents

Assessment Methods

The courses included in the Master's program , evaluated separately and the grades are recorded on the diploma. Many topics have term papers, field reports and / or lab reports as part of the assessment, possibly in addition to the final exam. The combination of these forms together will ensure the knowledge, skills and expertise that students should have after masterløp . The assessment for each course is stated in the course descriptions .

In the master race includes two compulsory oral presentations ( progress 1 and 2). Here , students will present their papers in a forum consisting of academic staff and other masters students.

After the Master's thesis is submitted and evaluated , will be held oral exam associated with the task. The character of the master thesis is determined by the oral examination .

Censorship and grading is subject to the UHR recommended guidelines for assessment of dissertations in MST subjects ,

http://www.uhr.no/index.php?objectId=3899&method=contents

Suitability

x

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