NAB-2010 Ecosystems, resource use and management in circumpolar areas

Emnebeskrivelse

Work Load 20  credits (ECTS)

Type of course Theoretical.

Level of course/Year of study Normally third year.

Language of instruction English.

Examination semester Spring

Objectives To teach students concepts and methods for analysing social transformations and ecosystem change.

Contents The course deals with the concepts and tools which form the scientific basis for the ecosystem approach and the UN¿s Millennium Ecosystem Assessment program. The ecosystem concept and characteristics of circumpolar ecosystems will be examined, with a particular emphasis on ecosystem changes and social transformations driving these changes. The relationship between ecosystems, resource use and cultural adaptations will be assessed, including concepts that have significance for the management of natural resources in circumpolar ecosystems. The course will introduce students to methods of assessing ecosystem changes, as well as central tools to analyze social transformation and conflicts.

Form of teaching Lectures (80 hr). PC laboratory work (30). Seminars/training (34 hr). Semester assignment: Students will work with selected case studies to analyse ecosystem changes, social transformations and conflicts. In the PC lab students will solve tasks by using digital maps and other sources of information about the circumpolar north. A report from each PC lab will submitted for approval. Students will take active part in seminars through discussions and by presenting their semester assignments.

Coursework requirements Semesteroppgave og rapporter fra PC-lab.

Exam and assessment Portfolio assessment based on a semester assignment and a written exam. The marking scale ranges from A (best) to F (fail).

Recommended reading/syllabus Available on request.

Course overlap NAB-1001 -1      20 sp NAB-2001 -1      20 sp