Global change - problem, analysis, measures

The course is the first course within the two Master's programs: Environmental science (N2MVN) and Atmospheric science, climate and ecosystems (N2ACE). The course is also an optional course within the Master's program in Biology (N2BIO).

The course can also be read as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Atmosphere, Climate and Ecosystems, Master's Programme (N2ACE) and 2) Environmental Sciences (N2MVN)

One of the following:

1) 120 credits out of which at least 90 credits are in natural science (biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science-natural science, physics) or technology, and at least 15 credits in environmental science-natural science. Students with equivalent education can be allowed to enter the course.

2) Bachelor's degree in biology.

All participants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/ English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized tests, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course treats major global environmental problems, such as climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The causes and effects of these environmental problems are studied, as well as different types of possible adaptation and mitigation measures (technical, political, economic).

The course consists of three parts:

1. A theoretical part examined individually by a written exam (4.5 HEC).
2. Compulsory elements, in the form of e.g. seminars, roll-play games and other activities (1 HEC). These are marked as compulsory in the course schedule. Students that do not take part in compulsory elements of the course are required to submit written compensation tasks to pass the course.
3. A group task presented as a written report and an oral presentation at a seminar (2 HEC).

The course provides knowledge about the causes, impacts and societal treatment of major global environmental problems, such as climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Listed below are the learning outcomes.

Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the course the student should have good knowledge of:

• The causes and processes behind climate change, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss
• Effects of climate change on ecosystems and ecosystem services
• Effects of air and water pollution on ecosystems and humans
• Status and trends for biodiversity
• International agreements, such as IPCC, the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and IPBES
• Practical mitigation measures (technical, political, economic) for society to tackle environmental problems

Competence and skills

The student is expected to have obtained practical experience of:

• Suggesting and describing measures to mitigate climate change
• Reading scientific reports and articles
• Presenting own work at a seminar

Judgement and approach

The student is expected to have practiced her/his critical approach by:

• Reflecting over possible measures to mitigate climate change
• Taking part in a role-play game where representatives of different countries negotiate air pollution emission reductions
• Interacting with teachers and fellow students in seminar discussions and other activities

The forms of studies during the course include lectures, seminars, activities, group work, other activities and one oral presentation. The course is fulltime and is given at daytime on campus.

Language of instruction: English

In order to pass the course, the student must receive Pass on all three subparts.

1. Final individual exam in written form (hall exam) on theoretical parts (4.5 HEC).
2. Compulsory elements, in the form of e.g. seminars, roll-play games and other activities (1 HEC). These are marked as compulsory in the course schedule. Students that do not take part in compulsory elements of the course are required to submit written compensation tasks to pass the course.
3. A group task presented as a written report and an oral presentation at a seminar (2 HEC).

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).

In order to be awarded Pass for the whole course of 7,5 HEC, Pass is required on all three parts. For Pass with Distinction on the course, Pass with Distinction (normally 80%) is required on subpart 1 and Pass on both parts 1 and 3. On parts 2 and 3, Fail (U) and Pass (G) are the only grades given.

Both an oral and written evaluation will be done at the end of the course. The result of the evaluation will be presented to the students and to the following courses students.