863 Alpine Ecology and Environmental Management, spring 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.

This study programme is the same as the spring 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 a 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. They will 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, spring semester

Code	Course title	Credits	O/V *)	Credits pr. semester
				S1(A)	S2(V)
4505	Conservation Biology	10.00	O		10
4504	Georesources and Groundwater	10.00	O		10
4209	Project Assignment	10.00	V		10
4508	Ecotourism - Methods and Practices	10.00	V		10
6027	Sustainability Management	7.50	V		7,5
6044	Tourism and the Environment	7.50	V		7,5
2617	Introducing Norwegian Language	5.00	V		5
2618	Norwegian Communication: Spoken and Written	5.00	V		5
2620	Writing Workshop: Norwegian for International Students	5.00	V		5
Total:				0	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 study programme covers the following subject areas:

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, 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