Course Objectives

After completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Develop the pupils’ senses, joy of discovery, and curiosity related to the target area, “the young scientist”.
• Facilitate learning that promotes pupils’ love of nature, knowledge and concern for the environment.
• Relate to the pupils’ everyday experiences when planning teaching, using local learning arenas in such a way that the subject matter is made more relevant.
• Plan, implement and evaluate teaching in natural sciences at various levels for years 5 to 10.

The course will emphasise oral presentations, argumentation, reading and interpretation of natural sciences texts and written reports from field work and experiments. Calculations will be used to record and produce results from students’ research and to create tables and charts relating to natural sciences. Digital skills in natural sciences will be used in experiments and fieldwork, as well as mediation, communication and visualisation.

Learning objectives for Natural Sciences (NAT 504):

Physics: Students should have basic knowledge of electricity, electronics and magnetism. They should be familiar with a variety of experiments, and be able to carry out simple calculations. Students should be familiar with atomic- and nuclear physics and its applications and related environmental problems.
Technology and design: Students will be able to plan, implement and evaluate technology and design projects.
Cell biology and plant physiology: Students will be able to explain photosynthesis and cell respiration. They will also be able to describe the main features of other biochemical processes in plant and animal cells. Students will be able to explain the transport of water and nutrients in plants. They should also be able to describe growth processes in plants.
Genetics: Students will be able to account for cell division, some of the main features of Mendel’s genetics, genes, chromosomes and key principles of how characteristics are inherited. Students will be able to explain the main features of protein synthesis and the principles of cloning, and describe important applications of genetic engineering.
Biogeography: Biodiversity, ecology and environmental management.

Learning Methods

The teaching methods will alternate between lectures, guidance, practical assignments individually and in groups and written assignments. Field studies include a 3-4 day excursion. Practical exercises are compulsory. The semester plan available at the beginning of each semester provides information concerning the teaching that requires mandatory attendance.

Course requirements

Completed field training

Biogeography: 1 assignment

Course requirements will be specified in the semester plan.

Assessment Methods

Reports and assignments are assessed on a pass / fail basis.

The written examination will be graded.

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