Entry requirements

One of the following alternatives:

1) Completed courses worth 60 credits in biology including The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits), Ecology and Population Genetics (15 credits), Life and Interactions of Microorganisms (5 credits), 15 credits in chemistry and 7.5 credits taken in floristics and faunistics.

2) Completed courses worth 40 credits in chemistry and completed courses worth 35 credits in biology including The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits), Ecology and Population Genetics (15 credits), Life and Interactions of Microorganisms (5 credits), and 7.5 credits taken in floristics and faunistics.

3) Completed courses worth 25 credits in earth sciences, completed courses worth 15 credits in chemistry and completed courses worth 35 credits in biology including The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits), Ecology and Population Genetics (15 credits), Life and Interactions of Microorganisms (5 credits), and 7.5 credits taken in floristics and faunistics.

Learning outcomes

The general aim of the course is for students to acquire knowledge in limnology of relevance for their future work and research.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• analyse and evaluate abiotic and biotic conditions in aquatic ecosystems
• account for structure and dynamics in biogeochemical cycles and organism communities
• carry out basic sampling and analyses in freshwater field/laboratory systems
• plan and carry out experiment/field studies
• present and evaluate experiment/field studies both orally and in writing.

Content

The course conveys knowledge of inland waters as ecosystems, with a special focus on lakes, including physical, chemical and biological aspects. It is characterised by many practical components that provide skills and deepen the theoretical contents.

All major organism groups are covered, from microorganisms to fish. Common species and characteristic species for different lake types are studied, as well as variations in different parameters that control the dynamics of lake ecosystems. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles are covered, including their connections with environmental issues such as climate change and eutrophication. The course also includes analysis of the chemical composition of water as well as assessment of water quality. Case studies using data from different types of ecosystems are used for training in how to interpret and evaluate data and time series.

The course includes several field exercises, including a longer field course with practical training in sampling and analysis methodology, statistical data analysis, independent project and group work, and oral and written presentations.

Instruction

The teaching is conducted as lectures, seminars, computer exercises, field courses and laboratory sessions. Participation in seminars, field courses and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Assessment

The module Species and habitat knowledge is examined through written and oral tests (4 credits). The field course requires active participation and oral and written presentations (4 credits). The theory part requires active participation in seminars and laboratory sessions and passed written exam (7 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

Cannot be included in the same degree as 1BG380 Limnology I D, 1BG505 Limnology D, 1BG202 Limnology I or 1BG041 Limnology L.