NBIK16004U The arctic ecosystem in a changing world

Volume 2015/2016
Content

 The course consists of 3 parts:

  • Introduction to and basic understanding of the Arctic environment. Lectures, group work, excursions, and individual assignments (paper presentation, essay and similar) to take place in Copenhagen during approx 1 week. During this phase the participants must formulate a group project to be carried out during the field work in West Greenland. The theme for the group project must be within the subjects covered by the teachers. Each project shall include minimum three and maximum five students.
  • The next phase is field based group work in Greenland (Arctic Station, Disko) during approx. 1 week on the thematic theme prepared in Copenhagen during the first weeks. Students will have to design and control all aspects of the project. During the stay at Arctic Station there will be a number of mandatory activities with contributions from the scientific leader of the station, guest researchers and the teachers at the course. This will include research lectures, introduction to monitoring and management programs as well as interaction with the local population in order to learn how they experience the Arctic ecosystem.
  • The last part includes data analyses, presentation of results at a mini workshop and preparation of a final report. To take part in Copenhagen during 1 week.

 

Tentative themes for thematic projects:

  • The nature of the marine ecosystem and how it should manage to ensure living resources for the future and a high biodiversity
  • The implication of climate changes for living conditions for terrestrial and freshwater biota
  • Glacial and permafrost retreat as driver of bio- and geophysical changes
  • Sustainable development of human activities in Arctic settlements

 

Each student group is responsible for presenting the status of their project in all three phases of the course. Each student shall give minimum one literature seminar during the course.  
 

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Profound understanding of the Arctic ecosystem; how it has developed, its main components, and what controls the interaction between various elements
  • The challenges anthropogenic changes are imposing on the living conditions for wildlife and humans
  • The role of a human dimension for the exploration of the Arctic


Skills:

  • Master the scientific process from the idea of a project to completing a scientific report of the study
  • Design and perform the theoretical and practical field work under challenging conditions
  • Analyse accumulated data statistically
  • Apply the relevant literature to discuss and conclude the acquired results
  • Mediate the ideas and results of a group project in terms of a scientific report and in an oral presentation of the investigation.


Competences:

  • The ability to acquire new knowledge, to work in a group, to design and logistically perform field work and to take responsibility for preparing a report of a high standard
Literature

Will be provided.

BSc in Natural Sciences from University of Copenhagen or equivalent
A combination of classic lectures, interactive group work, individual assignments, field excursions, laboratory work, and thematic projects performed in small groups.

Experimental group projects with intensive guidance in connection with the planning of projects and execution of field work. The groups present their plan to the team during all phases of the course.

It will be prioritized to provide the students with the most updated knowledge. This will be ensured through the team of teachers and by involving persons from the Arctic station.

The students will be mixed in different groups throughout the course. There will be allocated time for presentations of each participant, lectures about cultural differences as well as social activities to ensure a good communication and working spirit.
Expenses for travel to Arctic Station from Copenhagen is covered by University of Copenhagen, while the students must pay a fixed amount of 5000 kr for logging and living costs during the stay in Greenland. The payment must be made shortly after acceptance to participate in the course has been given. All expenses for travel, , lodging and living during the course periods in Copenhagen is entirely on behalf of trhe students. Some expenses to teaching materials may be expected.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Excursions
  • 10
  • Guidance
  • 15
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Practical exercises
  • 70
  • Preparation
  • 20,5
  • Seminar
  • 70
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 15 minutes, no preparation
The individual examination is a 15-minute oral examination where the student demonstrates hers/his knowledge in relation to the project as well as relevant background literature.
Exam registration requirements

It is a requirement that the student participates in the field part in Greenland.

It is also a requriement that the student has participated in writing a group assignment based on the results of their theoretical and field investigations and participated in the following oral group presentation. The report must follow the format of a scientific paper. Assignment submission deadline is late August (the date is given before the start of the field work).

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

As the ordinary exam. The report can be handed in again unchanged or in a revised version.

If the student does not fulfill the exam registration requirements regarding writing a written assignment and presenting it the student must write an individual written assignment based on the results of their theoretical and field investigations and it must be approved by the teacher.

If the student does not fulfill the exam registration requirements regarding participation in the field trip to Greenland the student must take the course again next year.

 

 

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome