Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Copenhagen offers a course in Basal Arctic Biology, which aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the Arctic environment and the organisms that inhabit it.

Course Description

The course focuses on the fundamental concepts and definitions related to the physical, chemical, and biological conditions in the Arctic, as well as the distribution, behavior, reproduction, and interactions of microorganisms, plants, and animals in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The course also covers the challenges posed by climate change and human activities such as hunting, fishing, and pollution.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Define the unique conditions that characterize the Arctic environment
• Describe the living conditions of flora and fauna in the Arctic region
• Analyze the interactions between different trophic environments and between land-water ecosystems
• Discuss how human-induced disturbances, including climate change and pollution, affect Arctic organisms and ecosystems

Course Structure

The course consists of lectures, exercises, individual and group assignments, and excursions to the Natural History Museum of Denmark. Students will also work on a written assignment (essay) and a group project (poster presentation).

Assessment

The course is assessed through a written exam (multiple-choice and essay questions) and the evaluation of the individual and group assignments. The exam is a 2-hour ITX-exam, and students are allowed to use all aids except Generative AI and internet access.

Course Details

• Course type: Single-subject course (daytime)
• ECTS: 7.5
• Level: Bachelor
• Duration: 1 block
• Language: Danish
• Capacity: 50 students

Teaching Staff

The course is taught by a team of instructors from the Department of Biology and the Natural History Museum of Denmark, including:

• Kirsten Seestern Christoffersen
• Anders Michelsen
• Riikka Rinnan
• Niels Daugbjerg
• Peter Rask Møller
• Nina Lundholm
• Morten T. Olsen
• PhD students and external guest lecturers

Prerequisites

The course is open to students who have completed at least the first year of their bachelor's degree in biology. Non-biology students can also participate, but a basic understanding of biological terms is recommended.

Re-examination

In case of failure, students can re-take the exam. If there are 10 or fewer students registered for the re-examination, the exam format will be changed to a 20-minute oral exam with a 30-minute preparation time. No aids are allowed during the oral exam.