Natural Water Systems (MLJ510)
Natural Water Systems gives an introduction to the main water systems on earth - surface waters and water systems in soil and atmosphere - salt- and fresh waters. Emphasis is put on aquatic ecology and biogeochemistry with particular focus on understanding and description of conditions and processes for analyses of aquatic environmental risk. The course contributes to the knowledge base for environmental management and for aquatic environmental technology, which are key topics for being able to fulfill the UN sustainability goals.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MLJ510
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
Basic knowledge of all Earth's water systems, hereunder:
- The Atmosphere (atmospheric processes, climate and weather, hydrological cycle)
- Freshwater systems (catchment hydrology, rivers and groundwaters, lakes and wetlands, glaciers and permafrost, particular focus on lake eutrophication and biogeochemical processes)
- Sea water systems (ocean basins, wind and ocean circulation, waves and tides, coasts)
- Particles in water, sedimentation and sediments (sea-, lake-, river sediments and soils)
- Organisms and ecology (fresh- and sea water fauna, habitats and ecology)
Learning outcome
- The student shall acquire broad basic knowledge about ecology in natural water systems, hereunder physical and climatic basics and processes, systems ecology, biology and biogeochemistry. This will form basis for conducting environmental analyses with respect to public and industrial environmental management, environmental research and development of relevant environmental technology. The approach within water systems has a general relevance to other environmental issues, and the course's scientific basis and approach will be useful in a wide specter of jobs in public administration and industrial technology development and environmental management. It also contributes to the scientific bases and understanding of subsequent courses in the environmental engineering study.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
Written exams
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written midterm exam | 1/2 | 3 Hours | Letter grades | Dictionary |
| Written final exam | 1/2 | 3 Hours | Letter grades | Dictionary |
The exams are digital.All assessment parts must be passed in order to obtain a final grade in the course.There will be no resit exam for the midterm exam. Students who do not pass the midterm exam may retake this the next time the course is lectured.
Coursework requirements
Participation to combined field- and lab course is manadatory.
Completion of mandatory field and lab assignments connected to the field course must be made at the times and in the groups that are assigned and published on Canvas. Absence due to illness or for other reasons must be communicated to the course responsible as soon as possible. One cannot expect that provisions for completion of the lab assignments at other times can be made, unless prior arrangements have been agreed.
Failure to have the assigned mandatory field and lab activities approved will result in not being able to access the exam.
Course teacher(s)
Coordinator laboratory exercises:
Erling Berge MonsenCourse coordinator:
Steinar SanniCoordinator laboratory exercises:
Liv Margareth AkslandStudy Program Director:
Krista Michelle KasterHead of Department:
Päivi Annele Teivainen-LædreCourse teacher:
Roald KommedalCoordinator laboratory exercises:
Eli Drange VeeMethod of work
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Natural Water Systems (MET150_1) | 10 |