Entry requirements

Biology 5 credits, Ecology for engineers 5 credits and Probability and Statistics 5 credits.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• Apply an effect-load-sensitivity analysis for studying effects of environmental problems in aquatic ecosystems.
• Explain the most important aquatic environmental threats against society and aquatic ecosystems in Sweden and its immediate vicinity
• Rank these problems quantitatively
• Analyse aquatic environmental problems with a great areal distribution by means of geographical information systems
• Master basic principles for modelling expected results from measures against aquatic environmental problems

Content

This course consists of two main parts. The part Aquatic pollution deals primarily with the major chemical threats to aquatic ecosystems, i. e., acidification (of lakes), eutrophication of lakes and coastal waters, contamination of lakes and coastal waters by metals, radionuclides and organic pollutants. A system for ranking environmental threats is covered, as well as basic effect-load-sensitivity analysis for ecosystems. The part Ecosystems modelling covers principles and processes regulating the spread, bio-uptake and effects of environmentally harmful substances in aquatic ecosystems. The course describes various methods for analysing environmental data (regression analysis, transformations, etc.) and mass.

Instruction

Lectures and exercises.

Assessment

A report from the lab exercises (1 credit) and a written exam which is taken at the end of the course (4 credits).