Course Syllabus

Arctic Ecology  Syllabus Draft

  

Semester & Location:	Summer 2022 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 4credits
Study Tours:	Svalbard
Major Disciplines:	Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability
Prerequisite(s):	One course in environmental science at university level. One course in biology or ecology is recommended
Faculty Members:	Charlotte M. Moshøj
Program Contact:	Embla Thorsdóttir- eth@dis.dk
Time & Place:	TBC

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 utilising 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 oppertunity 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 Svalbards 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:"Setting the scene"- An introduction to Arctic ecology

2: Defining arctic habitats: From forest to tundra and glaciers

3: Arctic climate, and climate change effects on arctic ecosystems

3: Terrestrial arctic ecosystems and species

4: Marine Arctic ecosystems and species

5: Freshwater and glacial ecosystems and species.

6: Status and trends in Arctic species and populations

7: Habitat disturbance and human exploitation

8: Arctic field work and monitoring

9: Traditional ecological knowledge and community based monitoring

10: Conservation and management of Arctic wildlife

 

 

 

Faculty

 Ph.D. in Arctic ecology from Roskilde University 2014 (Effects of Climate, Environment and Man on Wildlife Fluctuations). M.Sc. in wildlife ecology and conservation from University of Copenhagen and SLU Sweden, in 2003. Previous work places include the  National Environmental Research Institute,  Norwegian Institute for Nature Science   Greenland Institute of Natural resources, Grimsø Wildlife Research center (Uppsala University) WWF, and BirdLife Denmark . Extensive field work experience around the world, ranging from the Arctic terrestrial and marine environments, to Scandinavian forest and alpine regions, North American plains, and mountain ranges, to tropical rainforests. Main interests in (Arctic) biodiversity, trophic interactions, climate effects, conservation and management. 

Readings

Please note that there are no required textbooks to pick up from the library. Readings will be individual chapters and excerpts from these and other  books/ reports below.

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

Avatimik Kamattiarniq: Arctic Ecology and Environmental Stewardship. J. Hoffmann, 2018.

Arctic Animal Ecology . D.H. Remmert, 1980. 250 p

Arctic Biodiversity Assesment, Status and Trends in Arctic Biodiversity. CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) 2013. 674 p

Arctic Flora and Fauna, Status and Conservation. CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) 2001. 272 p

Arctic Climate Impact Assesment. ACIA Overview report. Cambridge University Press. 2005 1020 pp.

INTERACT 2015. INTERACT Stories of Arctic Science. Eds.: Callaghan, T.V. and Savela, H. DCE – Danish Centre for Environment and Energy, Aarhus University, Denmark, 180 p

Life Linked to Ice: A guide to sea-ice-associated biodiversity in this time of rapid change: Eamer, J.,
Donaldson, G.M., Gaston, et. al. 2013. CAFF Assessment Series No. 10. Conservation of Arctic Flora and
Fauna, Iceland. 115 p

 

 

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.	25%
Quiz A test on general terms and definitions of Arctic Ecology based on readings,  and lectures.	15%
Digital Storytelling. A blog, or short video completed individually or in  groups of  2 on self elected highlights from study tour to Svalbard.	15%
Short report or poster based on minor field study or theoretical subject. Work initiated early in course, and finalized at end of course with an oral presentation.  Required elements of each project is that students familiarize themselves with the research topic they have worked on and give a thorough presentation,  analysis and discussion.	45%

 

Academic Regulations (Summer)

Use of Phones and Laptops in class is not allowed unless it is for notes and specified research in class.

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

 

A note on the Course Calendar/Summary

The syllabus page (and only this page!) is open to the public, and used by students and their advisors before registering for the course. Outside users will only see the title of the classes, and so won't be able to see details about them. To help them understand the scope of your course, please make sure that all classes (i.e. events) have titles that describe the topic of the particular class.  In the details of your classes, enrolled students should be able to find more information about the class incl. readings and other materials they need to prepare.