NBIK14022U Methodology and Sampling in Environmental Management

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

Content

Practical sampling of soil, water and bioindicators in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, followed by laboratory analyses and statistical analyses, including planning of sampling and chose of methods in relation to the purpose of the sampling. Emphasis will be on comparison and discussion of the suitability of different methods in relation to strengths and weaknesses of collected data, time consumption and scientific experience. There will be strong focus on reporting and presentation of the different sub-projects included in the course. Principles of Environmental Impact Assesment (VVM) are presented by guest teachers.

Learning Outcome

Having concluded the course, the participants are expected to be able to plan and conduct adequate sampling of water, soil and plant material in relation to environmental problems, to perform correct statistical data treatment and presentation of the results and to communicate the findings and conclusions written and oral to end-users.

Knowledge:

Theoretical and practical knowledge about common-practice sampling methodology to evaluate nature quality and pollution of the most important natural environments (terrestrial ecosystems, lakes, streams and sea), including which bioindicators and physical-chemical parameters that are most relevant in specific cases.

Skills:

Improved hands-on experience with field sampling, laboratory analyses and statistical data treatment, including planning and choise of methodology in relation to the environmental problem to be investigated. Critical analysis of results obtained in relation to methodology, available resources and expertise. Improved experience with presentation of findings.

Competences:

Ability to independently plan, conduct and report environmental analyses. Qualifications to critically evaluate similar investigations, reported by others.

Completed BSc in Biology or equivalent.
The course runs for 9 weeks with lectures and mandatory (minimum 80% presence required) field work, exercises, laboratory and group work. Field work comprises collection of samples and data in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments; analytical work in groups takes place in laboratories; and is complemented with statistical data analysis, discussion hours and project work leading to completion of reports. Group size minimum 4 students.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Excursions
  • 17
  • Lectures
  • 12
  • Preparation
  • 83
  • Project work
  • 75
  • Seminar
  • 19
  • Total
  • 206
Written
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester

consisting of 10-20 lines of written, constructive feedback on positive and negative elements in each of the five mandatory reports handed in by the students. 

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Five reports must be delivered (two terrestrial and three aquatic (lake, stream and sea)) according to a set schedule. Two of the reports shall be made individually.
The five reports are equally weighted, and they must be passed separately and in the same exam period.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

Written assignment based on material handed out 48 hours before delivery. All aids allowed.

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12 the student should convincingly and accurately demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competences described under Learning Outcome.