Course Syllabus

  

 

Course Description

In this course, you gain an introduction to and understanding of ecology in the arctic . The arctic regions are sensitive to climate variations, and you learn about how these are affecting marine, terrestrial and freshwater species, focusing on the adaptations organisms require to thrive in the arctic.  We will discuss ecological interactions in and between trophic levels, and what lies behind species fluctuations and phenological mismatches.  Furthermore we will focus on conservation and management of the arctic wildlife, including utilizing community based monitering and traditional knowledge. 

You will get first hand experience with arctic ecology on a week long study tour to Svalbard. Here we will have the opportunity to experience arctic species like Svalbard Reindeer, Arctic fox, Bearded seals, Walrus, Humpback whales, Pink-footed goose, and Little Auks and Puffins. You will gain  hands-on experience with arctic field work and sampling, and experience Svalbard's tundra and glaciers. We will also study and learn to identify arctic flora. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you will have an overview of the different habitats in the Arctic, marine and terrestrial food webs, as well as, how species groups  have adapted to their Arctic environment. You will also learn how the different habitats are affected by climate change and human exploitation. Furthemore you will have gained insight into conservation and management of Arctic biodiversity, including insights on traditional ecological knowledge and community based management . A number of prominent researchers will also be joining us throughout the course to provide insight into their fields of study.

The course is roughly divided into the below modules:

1: Introduction to the Arctic and its habitats

2: Marine ecosystems and species in the Arctic

3: Freshwater ecosystems and species in the Arctic

4: Terrestrial ecosystems and species in the Arctic

5: Climate Change in the Arctic and Impacts on Ecosystems

6: Ecology of Arctic Birds

7: Traditional ecological knowledge

8. Ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring

9: Habitat disturbance and exploitation

10: Arctic Paleoecology

 

 

 

Faculty

Sanne M. Moedt

Ph.D in Biology from University of Copenhagen (Freshwater Biological Section). M.Sc in Ecology & Evolution and Freshwater Ecology of Arctic Ponds. Currently working as a postdoctoral researcher in marine ecology at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

Research interests are within aquatic ecology, paleoecology and climate change. Work experience involves science outreach, science education and community engagement through artistic practices. With DIS since 2025.

 

Readings

Readings will be individual chapters and excerpts from this textbook, and other  books/ reports below.

Arctic Ecology. D.N Thomas,  2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Tundra-Taiga Biology, R.M.M. Crawford, 2014 Oxford 

 

Field Studies

The field studies provide hands-on and experiential learning components of this course. These activities should be viewed as an integrated component of the lecture course and visits will illustrate and expand directly upon the content of the lectures and readings. Visits to field sites where research or nature monitoring is carried out is also something the course wants to provide for students to learn from.

Guest Lecturers

This course will  include  lectures and/or  field trips  by/ with  invited researchers, in Copenhagen and Svalbard.

Approach to Teaching

The classes will involve lectures, class discussion, group work, field studies and student projects. Furthermore, there will often be questions presented for you to consider, discuss, and present in small groups.

The lectures will be taught in the order written in the syllabus, unless you are told differently. The order of the lectures is to ensure that you know all of the basic concepts before we go on study tour and field trips that relate to your final projects. I aim towards an integrative teaching style, where lectures are combined with class interaction and empowerment of the students with hands on excercises.

 

Expectations of the Students

All students are expected to have completed the course readings before class, so we can discuss the material at the right level. It is important to be well prepared for class because I may randomly select students to give key points on the readings for that day.

Students are expected to participate actively in all classes and field studies and be open minded to your fellow student’s contribution to class. The aim is to establish an environment where we can learn from each other as well as from the texts and cases we engage with and you are expected to actively support this approach. 

 

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on their ability to understand, discuss and communicate scientific concepts within Arctic Ecology as well as interpret them meaningfully. These skills will be the primary focuses in evaluations. Group work in class and in the field as well as the student's ability to contribute to a group effort will be taken into account for the grade.

Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work. The overall grade will come from the following: Please watch the Assignment video guide here for help.

Assignment	Percent
Participation Students are expected to participate in all classes and field studies. Furthermore, active participation in class is required in order to get a good grade for participation. Examples of active student participation: Sum up key points from last class (2-3 min), ask questions about readings, lectures etc., start and/or participate in class discussions relating to the subjects treated.	20%
Field Journal assignment Observation-based field assignment identifying and describing key Arctic species within flora and fauna	30%
Digital Storytelling. Short video completed individually or in groups of  2-4 on self elected highlights from study tour to Svalbard.	15%
Academic Paper and Presentation. Work initiated on our study tour, and finalized at the end of the course with an oral presentation.  Required elements of each project is that students familiarize themselves with the research topic they have worked with (through field observations and literature research) and give a thorough presentation,  analysis and discussion.	35%