Entry requirements

120 credits including alt 1) 40 credit points/60 credits biology and 20 credit points/30 credits chemistry or 20 credit points/30 credits earth science. alt 2) 60 credit points/90 credits biology.

Learning outcomes

The general aim of the course is that the students should be able to integrate the different parts of the limnology and in their future emplyments be able to work with issues related to aquatic systems or similar areas. After the course, the student shall be able to

• understand and describe the structure and function of different aquatic systems understand and describe the processes that lead to a sustainable development of aquatic systems understand and describe the structure and function of different aquatic systems understand and describe the processes that lead to a sustainable development of aquatic systems
• understand and describe the role of the bacteria in the turnover of different substances in aquatic systems
• analyse and evaluate abiotic conditions in different aquatic systems
• identify and describe quantitatively important and characteristic species for different aquatic systems, including phytoplankton, attached algae and higher plants; zooplankton, benthic fauna and fish </li> <li> independently carry out water sampling and perform common analytical methods for water chemistry
• independently carry out qualitative sampling and analyses of plankton, benthic fauna and fish
• compile and process field - and laboratory data
• present and explain results from aquatic investigations orally and in written form
• actively participate in discussions during seminars and group exercises
• make comparative critical analyses of different data
• communicate principles, problems and research findings with specialists and non-specialists in issues that lie within the scope of the contents of the course. For students who take the course as a starting course within the Master programme in biology, the module Current trends in biology is also included in the course. After this module, the student should
• show an understanding of the research front, the history and role of biology for society, and of the professional career for biologists
• show an understanding of gender perspectives, research ethics and scientific philosophy

Content

The course includes physical, chemical as well as biological aspects. Different lake types are studied such as nutrient-rich lakes and nutrient-poor forest lakes and running water. Abiotic conditions: Lake morphometry. Optical and thermal properties of water, dissolved gases, nutrients, trace elements, dissolved salts, organic matter. Sampling theory, sedimentology and palaeolimnology are also included, and an overview of aquatic environmental problems such as eutrophication and acidification. Biotic conditions: Primary - and secondary producers: phytoplankton, attached algae, higher plants, zooplankton, benthic fauna and fish. Quantitatively important species, characteristic species for different lake types and indicator species are treated. Quantitatively important species, characteristic species for different lake types and indicator species are treated. Factors controlling the seasonal variation of organisms is also included, as well as growth and nutrient preferences of different groups of organisms. Furthermore, microbial limnology is included, the role of bacteria in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and sulphur, and aerobic and anaerobic microbial processes. Field course: Practical training in sampling and analytical methods, training in independent project work and group work, and in oral and written presentation. During the field course, the different parts of limnology should be integrated and give the students an increased understanding of the structure and function of the limnic ecosystems.

Instruction

The teaching is performed as lectures, group tuition, seminars, field course and laboratory sessions. The module Current trends in biology runs as a seminar series during the entire course.

Assessment

To pass the module 'Species knowledge' (3 credits) all tests on species knowledge have to be passed. To pass the module 'Field course' (4 credits) students must attend compulsory parts and reports have to be passed. The "Theory" part (6 credits) requires participation in compulsory seminars and laboratory sessions and passed results of written examination. Passing of the module 'Current trends in biology' (2 credits) requires attendance and active participation in seminars.

Other directives

The course can not be credited in a degree together with 1BG202 Limnology.