Course Syllabus
Arctic Ecology Syllabus |
| Semester & Location: |
Summer 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Study Tours: | Svalbard, June 24-28 |
| 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: |
Astrid Maria Schmidt |
| Time & Place: |
10AM - 1PM Classroom F24-403 (Enter through V23) |
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: Defining arctic habitats: From forest to tundra and glaciers
2: Marine Arctic ecosystems and species
3: : Freshwater and glacial ecosystems and species.
4: Terrestrial arctic ecosystems and species
5: Climate Change in the Arctic and Impacts on Ecosystems
6: Habitat disturbance and human exploitation
8: Ecology of Arctic Birds
9: Traditional ecological knowledge and community-based monitoring
10: Conservation and management of Arctic wildlife
Faculty
Astrid M. A. Schmidt
Ph.D in Climate change & Ecosystems of the Arctic from University of Copenhagen (Niels Bohr Institute/Natural History Museum of Denmark). M.Sc in population genetics and conservation of African elephants.
Current research interests are within citizen science on biodiversity and climate change. Work experience has involved science outreach, science education focusing on co-creation and community engagement e.g. of urban development with children and locals. With DIS since 2015.
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% |
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:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|