The Arctic Biology Field course builds on previous Arctic courses taken and is for students, who want to get in depth with a specific Arctic subject through an experimental group project (2-3 persons). The course has 3 phases:
- Planning of the projects during 2-3 meetings held in Copenhagen during block 4,
- Experimental field work at the Arctic Station, University of Copenhagen, in Qeqertarsuaq at Disko, West Greenland, during 10 days in July,
- Analysis of data and writing of report in Copenhagen during July-August.
The theme for each course alternates between aquatic and terrestrial subjects from year-to-year. The actual themes can be obtained through the course responsible during September the year before the actual course will take place.
All field work activities take place at Arctic station. In addition to the group projects there are mandatory excursions to selected locations in walking distance from the station. In the evenings lectures will be given by the scientific leader of the station, guest researchers and by the teachers about research and monitoring activities at Arctic Station.
Students who want to apply for opportunity to participate in the Arctic Biology Field Course must submit a motivated application (see details below) from 1 September and no later than 15 October the year before the course will take place. The application must follow the format described and should be send by mail directly to the course responsible. It is recommended to discuss project ideas with the teachers who are responsible for the course.
The selection of participants are based on relevance of the course, grades, motivation of the applicants, balanced mix of gender, project themes and feasibility.
Prerequisites
NBIB14025U Basal arktisk biologi or NBIK14013U Arctic Biology or other similar courses with similar qualifications in Denmark or other countries.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Application procedure
An application must include the following:
- A short description of the applicant (1 page CV)
- A list of courses taken and grades
- Field experiences (from courses, projects and in general)
- Explanation of how the pre-requirement is fulfilled
- Preference for a project theme offered and breif outline of special interests
- Motivation for taking the course (importance for study curriculum)
- Permit from the Study Board (if needed)
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive understanding of Arctic ecosystems
- Detailed knowledge of organization and interactions of biota in aquatic or terrestrial consortia
- Explain how organism, populations and ecosystems respond to environmental factors, human interference and climate conditions.
Skills:
- Carry out practical field work under challenging Arctic conditions
- Apply general morphological, physiological and reproductive strategies in arctic organisms in the discussion of the acquired results
- Apply general population dynamics in relation to environmental conditions
- Apply general element cycling of the Arctic in the discussion of the acquired results.
- Include general knowledge on arctic abiotic conditions in the treatment of the results of the project
- Mediate the ideas of the project and the acquired results in terms of a project report and in an oral presentation of the investigation.
Competences:
- Understanding the scientific process from the idea of a project to completing a report of the study
- The ability to work in a group and to take responsibility for preparing a scientific report with in a deadline
- Gather and analyse experimental data
Files/Documents
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