Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Mathematics 3b/3c, Science Studies 2, Social Studies 1b/1a1+1a2 or Mathematics C, Science Studies B, Civics A

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student shall be able to:

• give examples of important environmental issues and challenges for a sustainable development
• summarize historical and geographic perspectives on todays environmental problems
• account for basic ecological theory and some field methods
• describe biogeochemical cycles and human influence on them
• show an ability in basic written and oral presentation techniques
• discuss scientific methods and scientific approach
• reflect on his/her own and society's role in sources to and solving central environmental problems

Content

Environmental history, today's environmental and sustainability questions as well as processes and structures to handle these questions in various contexts. Global biogeochemical cycles. Various prerequisites for the use and management of natural resources. Chemicals and poisonous substances in the environment. Introduction to biological diversity and ecology including field methods. Farming and forestry in an environmental science perspective. Social and ethical aspects of environmental problems and management of natural resourses are discussed in a thematic form as case studies. The course also includes study visits and meetings with environmentalists in work and society. Introduction to scientific methods and scientific approach. Equal opportunities with respect to the Discrimination Act.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and exercises.

Assessment

Written and oral presentations connected to various exercises (6 credits), seminars and study visits (2 credits), and written examination (7 credits).