Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree including 90 credits in biology, chemistry and/or earth science of which at least 60 credits in biology, including 10 credits in ecology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

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
• discuss the potential and limitations of biology and its role in society.

The course includes the module Generic competences. After passing this module, the student should be able to:

• account for ethical aspects of research and development, including questions of plagiarism and equal opportunities/equal treatment.

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.

Ethics, plagiarism and equal opportunities/equal treatment.

Instruction

The teaching be given in the form of lectures, seminars, computer exercises, field courses and laboratory sessions. Participation in seminars, field courses and laboratory sessions are compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Species and habitat knowledge 3 credits; Field course 4 credits; Theory 6 credits; Generic competences 1 credit; Seminar series Biology's role in society 1 credit.

The module pecies and habitat knowledge is examined through written and oral tests. The field course requires active participation and oral and written presentations. The theory part requires active participation in seminars and laboratory sessions and passed written exam. Generic competences are examined through written tests. Seminar series Biology's role in society requires active participation.

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

The course cannot be included in the same degree as 1BG202 Limnology I, 1BG 227 Limnology, 1G380 Limnology I D or 1BG041 Limnology L.