Before choosing course

Course contents

A central part of the course is ecological theory and how ecological knowledge may be used to solve today’s major environmental challenges e.g. global warming, losses of biological diversity and the spreading of organic pollutants. The course will also give a picture on how an ecological approach and methods may be used to investigate different environmental questions.

Independent group assignments in the field around different ecological questions will be the link between theory and practice.

Intended learning outcomes

The overall aim of the course is to provide in depth knowledge about ecology and the human impact on ecosystems. The course should also show on the use of ecological knowledge for different sectors in society.

After the course the student should be able to:

• Use ecological knowledge in order to understand the distribution of individuals, populations and different distribution of species in ecosystems.
• Discuss different theories that may explain biological diversity and threats towards biological diversity.
• Understand the importance of different ecosystems services for technology, society and environment.
• Explain the ecological background to the most important environmental problems in the world.
• Use some common ecological methods and applications.
• Scientific methods used for ecological studies.

Course Disposition

The course contains a mandatory field work, projekt work, lectures and a written examniation.

Maximum of participants: 30 places. In case of lack of places, students with the course as mandatory or conditional elective have precedence.

In case of less than 10 students the course may be cancelled.

Specific prerequisites

Basic knowledge in ecology or environmental knowledge and 120 academic credits (ECTS) in a program of engineering or natural science or course or corresponding knowledge including documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.

Recommended prerequisites

Basic knowledge in ecology or environmental knowledge and 120 academic credits (ECTS) in a program of engineering or natural science or course or corresponding knowledge including documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Will be announced two weeks before the course starts

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• FÄL1 - Field study, 1,0 hp, betygsskala: P, F
• PRO1 - Project Work, 2,0 hp, betygsskala: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3,0 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

• FÄL1 - Field Exercises, 1.0 credits, grade scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project Work, 2.0 credits, grade scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Fredrik Gröndahl

Ethical approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Offered by

ABE/Sustainability and Environmental Engineering

Main field of study

Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Daniel Franzén (dfranz@kth.se)