Learning outcome

After completing the course, the students should have the following qualification regarding knowledge, skill and general competence:

* The students will become familiar with the more common groups of animals.

* They will gain insight into the dynamic interplay between plant and animal species and the ecological conditions in the surrounding environment.

* Emphasis will be placed on understanding of metabolism, autocology and the main characteristics of the Norwegian ecological system.

* The students will be introduced to teamwork, literature research, scientific presentation and mediation.

* A report will be submitted and evaluated based on the student's ability to follow a specific technical writing style.

* Field excurisions will focus to a large degree on topics involving outdoor recreation and the wise use of nature.

Course Description

Central topics:

* Invertebrates and vertebrates: morphology, growth, structure, reproduction, systematics.

* General ecology, behavioural ecology and Norwegian eco-systems: forests, mountains, bogs, sea, lakes, cultural landscapes, waterways.

* Natural-scientific methods: Scientific reports, written and oral presentations.

Assessment Methods

Grades will be assigned A-F for three required parts of the course: the species test will count for 25 %, the seminar project will count for 25 % and the final 3-hour written examination will count for 50% of the final grade. All three of the course requirements must receive passing grades before the student may be assigned a final grade. Also, the laboratory course and the excursions must be passed to be able to be assigned a final grade.

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