Course Objectives

Through the study of Natural Sciences 1 (course code NAT 501), students will acquire knowledge in biology, ecology, chemistry, geology and natural sciences’ didactics aimed at teaching in primary and lower secondary schools years 5 - 10. The course provides the basis for using active learning methods with pupils in the countryside, the laboratory and the classroom.

The course (NAT 501) includes field trips to the forests, mountains and lakes with an emphasis on the study of ecology, plants, animals and rocks.

After completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Develop the pupils’ senses, joy of discovery, and curiosity related to the target area, “the young scientist”.
• Facilitate learning that promotes pupils’ love of nature, knowledge and concern for the environment.
• Relate to the pupils’ everyday experiences when planning teaching, using local learning arenas in such a way that the subject matter is made more relevant.
• Plan, implement and evaluate teaching in natural sciences at various levels for years 5 to 10.

The course will emphasise oral presentations, argumentation, reading and interpretation of natural sciences texts and written reports from field work and experiments. Calculations will be used to record and produce results from students’ research and to create tables and charts relating to natural sciences. Digital skills in natural sciences will be used in experiments and fieldwork, as well as mediation, communication and visualisation.

Learning objectives for Natural Sciences (NAT 501):

Nature studies in the field: Biological and ecological studies of forests, mountains and lakes. Students will gain knowledge and skills related to fieldwork and gain experience in collecting and processing data.

Ecology: Introduction to ecology. Students will gain knowledge of ecological principles, different ecosystems, ecological adaptation and biological diversity.

Evolution: Evolution as a basis for modern biology. Students will learn about the principles and mechanisms of evolution in nature.

Chemistry: Students will be able to explain the atomic concept and structure of the periodic table. They will gain knowledge of chemical bonding, simple chemical reactions and acids, bases and pH. Students will acquire knowledge and skills related to laboratory work and safety.

Geology: Students will acquire knowledge of selected minerals and rocks and the most important processes in plate tectonics. They will also acquire knowledge and skills related to geological fieldwork in the local area.

Learning Methods

The teaching methods will alternate between lectures, guidance, practical assignments individually and in groups and written assignments. Field studies include a 3-day excursion in mountain habitats. The course also includes several day excursions to forests, lakes and areas of geological interest in the local area. Attendance in field studies and practical exercises is compulsory. The semester schedule available at the beginning of each semester provides information concerning the teaching that requires mandatory attendance.

Course requirements

Completed field training

Nature studies in the field: Report from field work in mountain habitats

Chemistry: 1 assignment

Geology: 1 assignment

GLU 5-10 students (General Teacher Education Years 5-10): Subject didactics assignment in groups 2.5 ECTS. Students will continue work on this assignment in the course Natural Sciences 1 (course code: NAT 502).

ALU (General Teacher Education) 3^rd year students: Bachelor’s thesis 2.5 ECTS. The students will continue work on this assignment in the course Natural Sciences 1 (course code: NAT 502).

Other students: Specialisation assignment 2.5 ECTS. Students will continue work on this assignment in the course Natural Sciences 1 (course code: NAT 502).

Course requirements will be defined in detail in the semester schedule.

Assessment Methods

Reports and assignments are assessed on a pass / fail basis.

The written examination will be graded.

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