Innledning

Alpine areas are increasingly being exposed to a number of different types of environmental impacts, both biotic and abiotic, that in time may completely change the integrity of alpine ecosystems. In addition to possible changes in ecosystem function and structure, the biological diversity found at high altitudes is likely to be negatively affected as well. The thousands of plants and animals with their specialized adaptations will most certainly face new challenges in the form of a warmer climate, habitat changes, alien species, and more. This is particularly true for species that are endemic to the alpine region, which without proper management are likely to experience population declines or even extinction. Therefore, knowledge on how to manage and conserve species and their habitats is imperative in order to protect the alpine environment for the future. The emphasis of the study programme will be placed on how different management strategies can contribute to sustainable use, conservation and the recovery of natural resources in the alpine environment.

Målgruppe og opptakskrav

This master's programme is especially designed for students with an educational background from disciplines related to environmental sciences.

A Bachelor's degree*, which includes 80 credits within the relevant science / environmental sciences, is required. Minimum grade requirement is C.

Maximum 20 students will be admitted each year. The Institute of High Mountain Biology in Slovakia has the capacity to supervise 10 students and the Department of Environmental and Health Science in Norway has the capacity to supervise 10 students. During the application process, the applicants must choose at which institution they want to study the master thesis.

English requirements

The requirement for English proficiency may be met in one of the following ways:

• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0. An IELTS test is only valid for two years. You must take the Academic test.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 for a paper-based test, a score of at least 210 for a computer-based test or minimum 80 for an internet-based test. A TOEFL test is only valid for two years.
• Bachelor’s degree from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand with English as the language of instruction.
• Students with a bachelor's degree from Department of Environmental and Health Science (University of South-East Norway)
• Students with a bachelor's degree from Institute of High Mountain Biology (special agreement with Zilina University)

Since the language of instruction is English you do not have to know the Norwegian or Slovakian language.

*Bachelor's degree

You must have obtained (by the last date of application**) an education equivalent to a Norwegian or Slovakian Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 80 ects specialisation in environmental science (ecology, biology, geology, limnology, or equivalent courses) to be eligible for the Joint master’s programme in Alpine Ecology. This means at least three years of higher education, in addition to the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Europe.

**Exemption: students enrolled at a bachelor programme at Institute of High Mountain Biology or Institute of Natural and Health Science may apply during their 6th semester.

All documents must be sent in by the application deadline January 15th (March 1st for applicants from EU/EEA).

Mål for studieprogrammet

The aim of the study programme is to educate graduates with good multidisciplinary knowledge in the broad field of Alpine Ecology.

Independent work will be emphasised especially for the Master's thesis. The student will be trained to understand and critically evaluate information, methods and research results. Students will also learn interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, and how scientific research and reporting is accomplished. Completion of this programme will qualify for PhD studies.

Læringsutbytte

After completing this programme, the students should have the following qualifications regarding knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:
• Advanced knowledge in biological and environmental fields such as botany, zoology, ecology, genetics, ecotoxicology, molecular biology and analytical chemistry methodology
• Detailed knowledge of environmental processes and their effects on organisms in alpine ecosystems

Skills:
• Be able to use and apply relevant scientific knowledge and methods in ecological research
• Be able to acquire, assess and refer to scientific information and present it both orally and in writing

• Be able to analyze scientific problems on the basis of traditions of the academic field of ecology
• Be able to carry out a research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General Competence:
• Be able to apply the knowledge and skills obtained in different arenas/settings
• Be able to communicate scientific work and terminology in the field of Environmental Science
• Be able to contribute to new ideas and knowledge related to management of current environmental problems

Studieprogrammets innhold, oppbygging og sammensetning

The study programme consists of various courses comprising in total 60 ECTS and a Master’s thesis (60 ECTS). The teaching is largely based on one-week modules, and laboratory and field-oriented teaching. It provides a flexible study programme, and places high demands on students’ ability to work independently.

The two first semesters, the students will complete two mandatary courses. The remaining 10 ects credits will be filled with elective courses offered. The Master's Thesis is mandatory.

Elective courses
Please note: In order for an elective subject to be offered, a sufficient number of students must sign up for the course. This is evaluated for each separate course. If too few students have signed up, the course may be postponed until the following academic year. Under special circumstances, an elective course may be discontinued. Such decisions will be discussed with the students so that the quality of the programme is maintained. Pollution and Microbiology is offered every other year, in odd-numbered years.

Post-graduate courses from other institutions may be accepted if they are relevant. We encourage students to take advantage of student-exchange arrangements with foreign universities and colleges.

Limitation regarding some courses
Some of the courses only accept a limited number of applicants, for instance 4327 Pollution and Microbiology.

Internasjonalisering

The students admitted to this study programme will spend the first semester at TUC in Norway, and the second semester at ZU in Slovakia. The students choose to spend the third and forth semester in any of these institutions, depending on the focus of their master’s thesis. The students may also spend the third semester at a partner institution outside Norway and Slovakia as exchange students (i.e. through Erasmus +). Exchanges must, however, be approved by the student’s supervisor.

This is an international study programme which admits Slovakian and Norwegian students, and students from partner institutions from all over the world. An exchange period (30 ects/one semester) abroad may be accepted as part of the degree.

Arbeids- og læringsformer

The study program consists of courses that are a combination of lectures, field work, field trips and laboratory exercises (see course descriptions for details). All field work and laboratory exercises are mandatory, Absence of up to 20% of the mandatory part of courses will be accepted according to national legislation and university regulations. The reasons of absences without relevant justification or relevant confirmations will be not accepted.

Combining theory and practice is central throughout the study programme. This will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills required for either employment or further studies.

Forholdet mellom teori/praksis

The students will get training in systematic sampling of scientific data, which will be analyzed, interpreted and presented for a scientific audience.

Emphasis will be put on the student’s abilities to critically evaluate information, methods and research results.

Vurderingsformer

All courses have a final exam. Some of the courses may have additional assessments such as laboratory reports/field reports, or smaller written assignments (see course descriptions for details).

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

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.