Course code: BIO-8106

Northern populations and ecosystems

Campus
Semester / Year Autumn 2012
Credits 10

About the course

The course deals with the environmental factors and the ecological interactions that determine the dynamics of northern populations and how population fluctuations of key species may impact on ecosystem dynamics. Emphasis is put on species that have a key role in terrestrial boreal, sub-arctic and arctic ecosystems or species that are considered important as resources. Strategies for managing such populations/resources will be presented. A balance between theory and empirical case studies will be sought. The course will primarily use case studies, species and ecosystems relevant for northern Norway or adjacent sub-arctic and arctic areas. The course will also give an introduction into the use of simulation modelling

Objectives of the course

  • Provide knowledge about:

a) which interactions determine the dynamics of northern populations and what can be the wider ecosystem implications of such interactions, and

b) Strategies for management and exploitation of northern populations and ecosystems

  • Give an introduction into the use of simulation models for exploring population dynamics

Give experience in critical reading of sientific papers within the field

Prerequisites

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

  • BIO-3122 Northern populations and ecosystems 10 stp

Teaching methods

Seminars and excercises 30 h, project work 30 h

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Assessment

Oral exam. The project work needs to be approved.Pass/Fail. There will not be arranged a re-sit exam for this course.

Error rendering component

Previous years and semesters

Contact us

Responsible unit: Department of Arctic and Marine Biology