Environmental Biology, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course, the student scould be able to desribe

• the biology of ecosystems,
• biogeochemical cycles and environmental processes,
• the causes and consequences of environmental changes,
• how environmental change impacts life on Earth, and
• how lifestyles, communities, and societies can contribute to a sustainable future.

Proficiency and Abilities
After having completed the course, the student shall be able to

• analyse environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, and
• give an oral and written account of and discuss environmental issues from a biological perspective.

Values and attitude
After having completed the course, the student can

• critically review and reflect on interdisciplinary aspects of environmental biology.

Content

This course focuses on the origins, functions, relationships, and interactions of/between living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems in relation to dynamic environmental processes. The course includes examples of how biology, in combination with other subject areas, can be used to solve some important environmental issues in context of a sustainable development. During this course, the students examine how organisms, species, and communities influence and are impacted by, natural and human-altered ecosystems. The course will provide an integrated and interdisciplinary introduction to environmental biology, covering the complex interactions between chemistry, physics, biology, geology, hydrology, climatology, and environmental policy.

Examinations and grades

Theoretical, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practicals and Seminars, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Modes of assessment

• Theoretical (code A001): Written examination
• Practicals and Seminars (code A002): Oral examination and written assignment

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception, the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology and Chemistry equivalent to 60 Credits comprising at least 22.5 credits in Biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

Language of instruction: Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required literature

Richard T. Wright & Dorothy F. Boorse (Latest edition)
Environmental Science: Toward A Sustainable Future
Pearson Education Inc