Program Overview
Program Overview
The University of Copenhagen offers a range of programs, including the MSc Programme in Biology and the MSc Programme in Climate Change.
Program Details
Course Content
The course explores the consequences and crisis that biodiversity is facing under global change, with a focus on the effects of climate change on biodiversity and how it affects human societies. Key questions addressed include:
- How do climate and climate change lead to changes in biodiversity on land and oceans at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels?
- Does climate change interact with other global change drivers to influence biodiversity?
- What are the effects of climate changes on species extinctions and interactions between species?
- Do changes in biodiversity affect human wellbeing and society?
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will understand the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, its impact on the environment, and how climate change impacts biodiversity. Students will be able to:
- Read and interpret literature on climatic change and biodiversity
- Design a scientific field experiment to test biodiversity and climate change concepts
- Understand how to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data
- Engage in a scientific dialog about biodiversity and current topics in climate change and biodiversity
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course includes lectures, project work, and practical exercises. Students will design and implement an experiment, analyze the data, and report the results and conclusions to the class.
Literature
Readings will be from the primary literature and will be made available prior to class sessions.
Recommended Prerequisites
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree are recommended.
Assessment
The course is assessed through a portfolio, which includes:
- 50% field project and report
- 25% written exam (2 hours)
- 25% presentation and active participation during the course
Course Type and Workload
The course is a single subject course with a workload of:
- Lectures: 8 hours
- Class Instruction: 3 hours
- Preparation: 55 hours
- Practical exercises: 60 hours
- Field Work: 20 hours
- Project work: 60 hours
Language and ECTS
The course is taught in English and is worth 7.5 ECTS.
Programme Level and Duration
The course is at the full degree master level and lasts for 1 block.
Placement and Schedule
The course is placed in block 4 and has a schedule group of A.
Capacity and Study Board
The course has a capacity of 70 students and is managed by the Study Board for the Biological Area.
Contracting Department and Faculty
The contracting department is Globe and The Natural History Museum of Denmark, and the contracting faculty is the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
Course Coordinators and Teachers
The primary course coordinator is Naia Morueta-Holme, and the teachers include Naia Morueta-Holme, David Nogués-Bravo, Bo Dalsgaard, as well as internal and external guest lecturers.