Analyses of environmental change - Focus: long-term environmental problems

Education facts

Code: 5MI008

The aim of the course is to provide a basic understanding of how scientific methods can be applied to study long-term environmental problems. During the course, we will primarily focus on environmental changes linked to pollution problems and landscape development, how different types of data can be used to determine when and why these changes have occurred in the environment, as well as what consequences these changes have. We will explore important concepts such as background conditions, reference states and natural variability, and how these affect our assessment of the state of the environment. We will also discuss how environmental processes leave traces in our surrounding, and how these traces can be used to understand more about how our environment has changed and is still changing. The course is divided into the following two modules, which run in parallel during the course. Parts of the course are integrated with the course "Analyses of environmental changes - Focus: Biogeochemistry" Module 1. Analysis of Environmental Changes, theoretical part, 7.5 credits During the theory module natural variability and environmental change from a long-time perspective (centuries to millennia), with the overarching aim to increase the student's ability to apply a scientific approach when dealing with a complex problem. Module 2. Analysis of Environmental Changes, project module, 7.5 credits The module include project work where the students connect the theoretical parts from module 1 with practical aspects of analysing environmental changes. The aim of the module is to train students to be able to use relevant information (e.g., literature and analytical data) in a scientific way. An important part is to understand how data collection and data management affect how data can be interpreted. In addition to the practical elements, this module can also include lectures, seminars, workshops and group discussions.

Entry requirements

120 ECTS-credits of which 60 ECTS-credits (including at least a 15 ECTS-credit independent project (e.g., the writing of a thesis)) in Physical Geography/Earth Science, Biology, Environmental health or Environmental Science; or its equivalence. English proficiency equivalent to English 6/level 2 from Swedish Upper secondary education.

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.

• Analyses of environmental change - Focus: long-term environmental problems

  Umeå University

  Start date: 18 January 2027

  End date: 24 March 2027

  Pace of study: 100 %