NIGK26004U Advanced Land System Science

Volume 2026/2027
Education

MSc Programme in Environment and Development
MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics
MSc Programme in Geography and Geoinformatics with a minor subject
MSc Programme in Global Environment and Development

Content

Based on theory and case studies, the course explores land system science as an interdisciplinary approach to understanding causal explanations for dominant land use transitions and their outcomes. Land use transitions are analyzed in the context of ongoing international debates related to sustainable development, such as economic globalization, large scale land acquisitions, climate change mitigation and nature conservation. Meta-analyses and reviews as well as multiple theories, analytical frameworks and methodological approaches are discussed with the aim of assessing their potential for developing causal explanations within land system science. Topics of particular interest to the participating students will be identified and will receive in depth attention.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
Dominant land use transitions, theoretical aspects and terminology of land use change and land system science, main local and global drivers of land use transitions, barriers to change, implications of global processes for local land use, practical aspects of land use change research including how land use transitions relate to international sustainable development agendas.

Skills:

  • Identify emerging issues in land systems science and land use transitions
  • Acquire in depth knowledge of a particular land use transition topic and subsequently present and discuss this topic
  • Assess the potential impact of global, national and local drivers on land use transitions and their outcomes, including analysis of causal explanations
  • Identify relevant theories and approaches for analysing land use change

 

Competences:

  • Discuss and critically reflect upon different aspects of land system science and land use transitions
  • Analyze and describe causes and outcomes of particular land use transitions
  • Analyze, assess, and apply results, methods, causality, theory and data in connection with land use transitions and land system science

Please see Absalon course page.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc in Geography and Geoinformatics or similar is recommended.
Knowledge equivalent to the BSc course "Land System Science - land use and food production" is recommended
The form of teaching is theoretical and practical exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 171
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Type of assessment details
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure and is without preparation. It includes the titles listed in the approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed (see description below)

Written assignment: All aids allowed.

Oral exam. Only certain aids allowed. The student can bring the written assignment.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Re-exam

Identical to ordinary exam. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure and is without preparation. It includes the titles listed in the approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcomes.