866 Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management, one-year programme, årsstudium

Introduction

In this programme of study students learn about the alpine ecosystems in Scandinavia and their relation to the environment. The courses in this programme of study are based on geological, climatologic, historical, cultural and biological studies, and students develop an understanding of alpine ecosystems. As alpine ecosystems are increasingly influenced by several types of environmental stress, management strategies have to be implemented in order to maintain the biodiversity for future generations. Several field trips will be organised as part of the courses in order to study species and ecosystems.

It is possible to join the study program for one semester only (study code 867 og 863).

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Norwegian or foreign students that want to acquire deeper knowledge about ecological principles and environmental management in general, and alpine areas in particular. It will be a supplementary program for students that have finished the basic one year study program in environmental sciences and outdoor activities, teachers and others.

Access requirements: One year of studies at university level in the fields of Basic Biology, Ecology, and/or Geography

Aim of the Programme

Students get deeper knowledge in biology, ecology and environmental management as a basis for further studies at bachelor or master level in biology or outdoor activities. In addition they acquire good knowledge about ecological and management theory, get trained in field work, and the presentation of group-work.

Curriculum and structure

Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management, one-year programme

Code	Course title	Credits	O/V *)	Credits pr. semester
				S1(A)	S2(V)
4501	Alpine Ecology	10.00	O	10
4502	Alpine Biodiversity and Climatic Change	10.00	O	10
4311	Methods and Analysis of Wildlife and Fish Stocks	10.00	V	10
2606	Ecophilosophy	5.00	V	5
2612	Ecophilosophy, Term paper	5.00	V	5
2617	Introducing Norwegian Language	5.00	V	5
4504	Georesources and Groundwater	10.00	O		10
4505	Conservation Biology	10.00	O		10
5401	Tourism and the Environment	5.00	V		5
5021	Sustainability Management	10.00	V		10
4209	Project Assignment	10.00	V		10
1244	The Individual, Environs and Society - Winter	5.00	V		5
Total:				30	30

*) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Reservations

In general, a minimum number of students will be required in order to start an elective course. But this evaluation will be discussed with the students in advance to garantee the quality of the study program.

The programme of study covers the following subject areas:

Environmental characteristics of Scandinavian mountains
Geology and ecology of glacial environments
Alpine ecosystems
The most common species of plants, animals, fish, and birds in alpine areas
Adaptation of the living organisms to alpine environments
Principles of conservation biology with focus on alpine areas
Gradients in biodiversity
Water resources and aquatic ecology
Use and management of alpine areas

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, excursions, lab.courses, seminars with student presentations, mandatory reports and papers. The excursions and lab.courses are mandatory.

Assessment Methods

Individual written exams, group project (reports)

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

Curriculums, startup year 2008-2009