Freshwater Ecology, Advanced Level

Education facts

Code: 4BI502

Freshwater ecology (limnology) describes our freshwater ecosystems (lakes, streams and rivers) in a river basin context. Emphasis is on how aquatic organisms interact with each other and with their habitats, and the distribution, variation and role of the organisms. This course combines theory with practical training of standardized methods for sampling and analysis of water quality and biotic factors in the shoreline, bottom and free water masses. This includes exercises in identification of important groups of organisms. Freshwaters are under many kinds of threat such as eutrophication, contamination and water extraction. All over the world, clean water and flourishing lakes are environmental objectives of high priority. The course addresses such objectives and actions against major environmental problems in freshwaters. The course is given at an advanced level and consists of lectures, seminars, field (approximately 1 week) and lab work, assignments, report writing and an individual project. Skills such as critical thinking and analysis of results in relation to the scientific literature are emphasized. There will also be opportunities for individual feedback on oral and written presentations. These aspects are especially accentuated during report writing and in the individual project. It is recommended to read the course in conjunction with Marine Ecology (15 ECTS).

Entry requirements

Bachelor degree and Biology 60 credits, including Ecology 15 credits and Chemistry 15 credits, or corresponding.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Freshwater Ecology, Advanced Level

  Linnaeus University (Kalmar Växjö)

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 8 November 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %