867 Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management, autumn semester

Introduction

In this study programme, students learn about the alpine ecosystems in Scandinavia and their relation to the environment. The courses 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.

The autumn study program is the same as the autumn semester of the one-year programme "Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management" (code 866).

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 programme in environmental sciences and outdoor activities, teachers and others.

Admission 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, autumn semester

Code	Course title	Credits	O/V *)	Credits pr. semester
				S1(A)
4502	Alpine Biodiversity and Climatic Change	10.00	O	10
4501	Alpine Ecology	10.00	O	10
4311	Ecological Methods	10.00	V	10
4507	Ecotourism Theories and Concepts	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
2601	Norwegian Language: Intermediate Level	10.00	V	10
2609	Norwegian Language: Advanced level	10.00	V	10
Total:				30

*) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean. Elective courses may vary from one academic year to another.

The courses 4502 Alpine Biodiversity and Climatic Change and 4311 Methods and Analysis of Wildlife and Fishstocks are MSc courses, and master students are prioritized if many students want to study these courses.

The study programme 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
Use and management of alpine areas

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, excursions, laboratory courses, seminars with student presentations, mandatory reports and papers. The excursions and laboratory 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 2011-2012