Innledning

The alpine areas, both in Norway and globally, are increasingly exposed to different types of environmental impacts which in time may change the alpine ecosystems. As a result of this, combined with the effects of global warming, changes in the alpine ecosystems have occurred/been occurring. Norway has the largest population of wild reindeer, and their management is especially important. Therefore management strategies have to be implemented for different alpine species and ecosystems. Information about endangered species and biotopes occurring in alpine areas and possible threats to their existence is imperative. Increased use of the alpine areas for recreation (tourism) may also represent a challenge for the management of alpine ecosystems and vulnerable animal populations. Environmental management is also to make use of the available resources of an area. Geological resources include geology and landforms as a background for the life and as tourist attractions, gravel and stone as important resources for constructions, and ground water as drinking water and heat supply for houses and cabins. Due to a changing hydrology landslides are getting more frequent in these Norway.

Målgruppe og opptakskrav

Foreign (primarily from partner institutions) and Norwegian students with relevant backgrounds who want to acquire deeper knowledge about environmental management, georesources and groundwater. Admission requirements are two years of studies at university level in the fields of Basic Biology, Ecology and/or Geography. Good command of English is required, and in some cases it may be necessary to submit documentation of sufficient English skills. Basic knowledge in statistics is also assumed.

Mål for studieprogrammet

The main aims of this program are to provide the students with deeper insight into conservation issues with main emphasis on Scandinavian mountain areas. This will give the students a basis for further studies at the bachelor and master levels in ecology. Students learn about general principles in environmental conservation, and how to maintain sustainable ecosystems. The students will gain knowledge to different geologic landscapes in Norway and how they can be used in relation to tourism, mineral resources, and ground water resources. Through lectures, field courses and lab courses, the students will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge on hydro geology.

Læringsutbytte

Knowledge:

The students will be given an introduction in principles for environmental conservation in general, and geologic and hydro geologic resources in Norway.

The candidates will gain both general and specific knowledge about conservation strategies, management of terrestrial ecosystems, geologic resources and hydro geologic resources.

Skills:

Be able to propose conservation and management strategies for a certain area.

Be able to sample hydro geological data in the field, and perform necessary data analyses.

General competence:

Be able to present results from scientific studies to an audience, both orally and in written form.

Be able to carry out varied advanced assignments and projects

Studieprogrammets innhold, oppbygging og sammensetning

The study program has two mandatory courses (10 ects each) and one elective course.

Internasjonalisering

This is an international study program which admits Norwegian students and students from partner institutions from all over the world.

Arbeids- og læringsformer

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

Vurderingsformer

Individual written exams, group project (reports)

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.