Course Objectives

After completing the course, the students will be able understand the structure and functions of the ecosystem and the physical/ chemical processes which take place in the circulation of vital substances in soil, water and air. The students will be able to explain evolutionary and ecological processes and how they regulate populations.

The course will also provide the students with sufficient background understanding to understand the chemistry of the processes which will be taught later in the programme. They will learn to balance simple chemical equations and perform simple chemical analysis of, for example, oxygen and nutrients in the environment.

Course Description

Central topics include:

• The chemical basis for primary processes in the ecosystem
• The production of nutrients in the natural environment
• Evolution and population ecology

Learning Methods

60 hours of lectures. 20 hours of seminars. 8 hours of calculation exercises.

Obligatory: 24 hours of laboratory exercises.

Assessment Methods

Grades will be assigned for two examinations: a 3-hour final examination on chemical processes will count for 40%, and a 4-hour final examination on food-chains and population ecology will count for 60% of the final grade. The laboratory course must be approved before the candidate may take the two examinations. Both examinations must receive passing grades before a final grade is given for the course.

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