Physical Geography: Ecosystems Analysis

<p>By taking this course you will increase your understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes or events that link organisms and the environment. Through a combination of lectures and exercises you will gain both theoretical and practical understanding of ecosystems and ecosystem analysis. After completing the course you will also be able to understand how ecosystems function and how they may respond to a changing climate and environment.</p><p>The course gives an introduction to the functioning of different ecosystems and the effects of climate and geology on the ecosystem processes with for example the carbon and nutrient cycle. The course aims to supply basic scientific knowledge on the background to different environmental problems such as climate change and changed ozone distribution. The course is interdisciplinary with lectures and exercises in biogeography, biogeochemistry, hydrology and ecology.</p> <h3>Course content</h3> <p>The course includes lectures in the subject areas of biogeography, biogeochemistry, hydrology and practical ecosystem analysis. From the start, the course contains a fieldwork that is extended through the course period and which culminates in a week-long intensive field week with subsequent project work. Measurement methodology includes basic repeated vegetation inventory, chemical soil and vegetation analysis and measurements of gas exchange between soil, vegetation and atmosphere.</p> <p>The teaching consists of lectures, laboratory work, field exercises, seminars, group exercises and project work.</p>