CURRICULUM for Environmental Biology and Computer Science

Transkript

1 CURRICULUM for Environmental Biology and Computer Science MSc ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY

2 Please note that only the Danish version of the Studieordning has legal validity. The Danish version is the official version and thus overrules possible differences between the two versions. 1

3 This curriculum is issued pursuant to Executive Order no of 15 November 2016 on Bachelor and Master s programmes at the universities (the Universities Order), as subsequently amended, and Roskilde University s Common Rules of 27 September 2012, as subsequently amended. 1. About the programme 1.1 Object 1.2 Competency profile 1.3 Main area affiliation 1.4 ECTS credits 1.5 Title 1.6 Study board 1.7 Affiliation of corps of external examiners 2. Admission requirements and credit 2.1 Admission requirements 2.2 Credit 2.3 Advance credit 3. Programme elements 3.1 Courses 3.2 Projects 3.3 Internship 3.4 Thesis 4. Structure of the programme 4.1 Schematic breakdown 4.2 Recommended course of study 5. The study programme 5.1 First semester 5.2 Second semester 5.3 Third semester 5.4 Fourth semester - thesis 6. General regulations 6.1 Registration/de-registration and re-examination 6.2 Special examination facilities 6.3 Academic selection criteria 6.4 Pass requirements 6.5 Time limit for programme completion 7. Exemptions and appeals 7.1 Exemptions 7.2 Appeals 8. Entry into force and transitional provisions 8.1 Entry into force 8.2 Transitional provisions 9. Admission requirements 9.1 Legal entitlement 9.2 Other qualifying Bachelor study programmes at Roskilde University 9.3 Qualifying Bachelor study programmes at other universities 9.4 Qualifying Professional Bachelor study programmes 9.5 Applicants without qualifying Bachelor study programmes 9.6 Applicants without Bachelor study programmes Appendix 1 Amendments 1. About the programme The MSc programme in Environmental Biology and Computer Science is an interdisciplinary study programme consisting of two independent subjects, of which Environmental Biology comprises subject 1 and Computer Science comprises subject Object 2

4 The object of the combination Master s programme MSc in Environmental Biology and Computer Science is to enhance the student s knowledge, skills and competencies within quantitative environmental biological and computer science issues and methods with special regard to qualifying the student for work in research, analysis, simulation, communication, consultancy, management and application of environmental biological and ecological systems, and biological resources. Graduates can find employment in the private or public sectors. The combination MSc programme also provides graduates with the academic qualifications to commence a PhD programme. The programme is presented in English. Unless otherwise specified, the examination language is the same as the teaching language. 1.2 Competency profile The combination Master s programme MSc in Environmental Biology and Computer Science provides the student with the following competencies: Knowledge: Knowledge of biological populations and ecological communities. Understanding of nutrient and biogeochemical cycle processes in ecosystems. Understanding of the interaction between living organisms (i.e. animals, plants and microorganisms) and their physical, chemical and biological environments, and of how we best can exploit the natural environment in a sustainable manner. Knowledge of basic computer science models and tools (with special emphasis on their application to biological and ecological systems). On a scientific basis, students must be able to assess and reflect upon the application of the theories of the subjects in the development and implementation of development projects, from planning and coding to testing in practice and evaluation. Research-based knowledge of techniques and theories used to analyse, design and construct software systems, including the methods and principles of software engineering, computer and system architecture, and algorithms and data representation. Skills: Skills in identifying and formulating issues within the central objects and disciplines of environmental biology and computer science, particularly population, community and system ecology, numerical simulation, and database analysis. Skills to work in a reflective manner with the theory, methodology and tools relevant to analysing backgrounds and assessing and contributing to decision-making in issues of environmental biology and computer science. Skills in programming advanced software solutions with the use of appropriate, state-of-the-art programming languages, libraries, development tools and equipment. Skills in testing, validating and evaluating software systems. Skills in summarising and evaluating scientific literature, including empirical data. Skills in creating numerical simulations of biological and ecological systems. Skills in being able to extract and interpret general patterns from large and variable biological and ecological data sets. Skills in analysing, processing and interpreting empirical results obtained through scientific studies and experiments. Competencies: Competency to design and carry out appropriate experiments and/or studies to undertake a thorough analysis of an issue on the basis of qualified theoretical knowledge of natural systems, experimental design and data analysis. Competency to work in an exemplary manner with the scientific and practical collection, operationalisation and use of knowledge of environmental biology and computer science in order to analyse and assess the practical implications of this in research and practical applications. Competency to work with issues on an abstract level and to translate the abstract to 3

5 concrete solution models through the design of programs, drawing upon interdisciplinary knowledge. Competency to organise, plan and manage a software development project that is complex and requires new solution models. Competency to independently initiate and carry out intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary work, including managing and leading interdisciplinary projects, and to assume a professional responsibility. Competency to take responsibility for one s own academic development and specialisation. 1.3 Main area affiliation The study programme belongs under the main area of Natural Science. The study programme elements of Computer Science belong under the main area of Natural Science. 1.4 ECTS The combination MSc programme in Environmental Biology and Computer Science is a two-year programme corresponding to 120 ECTS credits. 1.5 Title cand.scient. i Miljøbiologi og Datalogi Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Biology and Computer Science 1.6 Study Board The programme is administered by the Study Board for Natural Science. 1.7 Affiliation of corps of external examiners The programme is affiliated with the corps of external examiners for Biology. The study programme elements of Computer Science belong under the corps of external examiners for Computer Science. 2. Admission requirements and credit 2.1 Admission requirements See appendix. 2.2 Credit On the basis of an application by the student or in accordance with general rules laid down by the University, Roskilde University may approve that study programme elements passed as part of another Danish or foreign study programme at the same level may substitute for elements of a study programme at Roskilde University, in accordance with the Education Order. Pre-start credit Upon admission to the study programme, students are obliged to apply for credit for any study programme elements previously passed in a non-completed Master s programme. Roskilde University may approve that study programme elements passed as part of another Danish or foreign study programme at the same level may substitute for elements of the study programme, in accordance with the Executive Order on Admission to Master s Programmes. 4

6 2.3 Advance credit As part of a study programme, students may apply to Roskilde University for advance credit to take study programme elements at another university in Denmark or abroad. The student undertakes to submit documentation showing whether or not the study programme elements have been passed. The documentation must be sent to Roskilde University. Approval for advance credit can only be granted on the basis of documentation. Once the documentation has been received, Roskilde University may administratively approve that the programme elements may be credited to the programme at Roskilde University. The student must consent to Roskilde University obtaining the necessary information from the host university if the student cannot provide the documentation. If the pre-approved programme elements are not offered by the host university, the student may apply for a modification of the approval. 3. Programme elements 3.1 Courses These study elements provide the student with theoretical and methodological knowledge as well as skills in the academic field of the programme. The student must be given academic preparation to focus on issues relevant to project work and the thesis. Courses may take the form of lectures, classes, case work, workshops, etc. 3.2 Projects Project work is exemplary, problem-oriented and participant-managed, and is intended to develop and document the student s skills in applying scientific theories and methods to work within a defined academic area. Project work requires the independent formulation of a freely-chosen issue within the framework of the curriculum. The project work takes place in groups of 2-6 students. The topic of the project work is selected by the students from among the topics and themes determined by the Study Board. In special cases, the Head of Studies may grant permission for a student s project to be written or examined individually. 3.3 Internship A student may apply to the Study Board for pre-approval to take a specially-designed, academically relevant, project-oriented internship which substitutes for individual, specified elements of the ordinary study programme. The semesters in which the internship may take place are stated in the curriculum. The project-oriented internship, includes, inter alia, the compilation of an internship project report. Once the application for preapproval has been granted, the Head of Studies will assign a supervisor to the student. When processing the application, the Study Board must ensure that the student, through the project-oriented internship, achieves academic competencies that in scope and level correspond to the competencies that can be achieved through the ordinary study programme. The Study Board must also ensure that the internship does not prevent the student completing any other required study activities during the semester in question. 3.4 Thesis The combination Master s programme includes a major independent study which is documented through the compilation of a thesis. In the thesis, the student must document knowledge and skills in applying scientific theories and methods to work on a defined, academic and relevant issue. The student must demonstrate skills in analysing, categorising, discussing, reasoning, assessing and reflecting on a scientific basis, and must be able to select and critically evaluate the sources, literature, theory and methods used in the thesis. Through the thesis, the student must demonstrate the ability to communicate an academic study to peers and demonstrate the competency to initiate, manage and complete a long-term process of academic study and writing. 5

7 4. Structure of the programme 4.1 Schematic breakdown 4.2 Recommended course of study To help to ensure the quality and progression of the study programme and facilitate study planning for students, the following course of study is recommended: First semester (Environmental Biology): Three of four courses (total 15 ECTS): Principles and Practice of Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS) Biological Resources and Production (5 ECTS) Energy and Element Cycling in Ecosystems (5 ECTS) Advanced Population and Community Ecology (5 ECTS) Subject project in Environmental Biology (15 ECTS) Second semester (Computer Science): Course in Mandatory Core Topics Computer Science (10 ECTS) Course in elective subject (5 ECTS) Project work (15 ECTS) Third semester (Environmental Biology and Computer Science): Field course: Practical Ecology Monitoring Techniques (5 ECTS) Either: Laboratory Exercises in Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS), or: Laboratory Exercises in Stress Biology (5 ECTS) Elective course - Environmental Biology Topics in Environmental Biology (5 ECTS) Project, Advanced Computer Science project (15 ECTS) or Internship (15 ECTS) Fourth semester: Thesis (30 ECTS) 2. The study programme 5.1 First semester 6

8 Object The object of the first semester is to provide students with in-depth study of the subject of Environmental Biology, on the basis of several of the subject s core areas. The courses in the first semester provide a systematic introduction to the theories and concepts of significant sub-disciplines of Environmental Biology. The semester builds upon the knowledge, skills and competencies of the qualifying programmes in Environmental Biology and related disciplines. Study programme elements in the first semester The semester encompasses: Environmental Biology: Three of four courses (total 15 ECTS): Principles and Practice of Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS) Biological Resources and Production (5 ECTS) Energy and Element Cycling in Ecosystems (5 ECTS) Advanced Population and Community Ecology (5 ECTS) Subject project in Environmental Biology (15 ECTS) Or: Project-oriented Internship Report (15 ECTS) Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Principles and Practice of Ecotoxicology (Environmental Biology) English Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of dose-response relationships in ecotoxicology. Skills Insight into how organisms are exposed to and affected by chemicals in the environment. Understanding of how chemical properties and environmental factors determine the effect on organisms. Skills to undertake risk and hazard assessments of chemicals. The ability to define and interpret effective concentrations (e.g. LC50, EC50). Skills to estimate the effects of chemical substances on populations of organisms. Competencies Competency to use characteristics and measured properties to interpret and assess the risks posed by chemicals for organisms, in various work contexts. The course provides knowledge of how and why chemicals are regulated. The course encompasses quantitative ecotoxicology, including modelling dose-effect/dose-response, and insight into the impact of chemicals at population, ecological community and ecosystem level, with a view to carrying out environmental risk assessments. The characterisation of chemicals according to their risk to organisms is presented, together with the relevant toxicological and ecological theories. The course focuses on how scientific principles are applied in practice, with a view to undertaking risk assessment and regulation of chemicals. 7

9 Teaching and working methods A theoretical and practical course (lectures and exercises). The course includes lectures, panel discussions, classes and computer exercises. Written examination. Three-hour written, invigilated examination with supplied examination questions and examination tasks. Re-examination normally takes the same form as the ordinary examination, but the Study Board may choose a different examination form. Form of examination If the re-examination is an oral examination, it takes the form of a dialogue between the student, the examiner and the moderator. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation The oral examination will be based on randomly-drawn questions. The student is given 30 minutes of preparation time, including drawing the examination question. The student begins the examination by giving a brief presentation (maximum five minutes) of the examination question. The examination has a duration of 30 minutes, including assessment. Individual examination calculator and dictionaries. Seven-point scale External Title Biological Resources and Production (Environmental Biology) Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content English Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of various types of biological resources and their ecological conditions. Skills Understanding of the factors that regulate populations used as biological resources. Understanding of how ecological conditions can be influenced and regulated in artificial surroundings. Skills in applying and assessing ecological theories and methods in order to produce, manage and use biological resources. Skills in applying and assessing ecological theories and methods in order to design and control biological production systems. Competencies Competency to engage in collaboration and interdisciplinary work by applying one s knowledge of ecological conditions in the context of biological production, in order to solve concrete problems. A theoretical and practical course in applied ecology in relation to the use of biological resources. The aim of the course is to integrate aspects of population ecology, physiology (nutrition and energetics) and social sciences (economics, societal needs, 8

10 Teaching and working methods Form of examination Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation etc.) in order to solve application-oriented issues relating to the use, management and monitoring of animal and plant populations. Topics include population dynamics, harvesting/hunting theory, management of natural populations (e.g. fish) and planned biological production (e.g. aquaculture). Lectures, class exercises and student presentations. Written, four-day home assignment (case assignment). Students are provided with a specific case assignment on which they write a report. The report must be between 5 and 15 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. Re-examination takes the same form as the ordinary examination. Individual examination All Seven-point scale None Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Energy and Element Cycling in Ecosystems (Environmental Biology) English Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of energy and biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems. Skills An understanding of the role of the organism in these cycles. Knowledge of the major biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S, metals). Insight into regulatory factors for energy and material cycles in ecosystems. Skills to define, identify and analyse the main processes in biogeochemical cycles in various ecosystems. Skills to evaluate the principal flows of matter and energy in various ecosystems. Competencies Competency to provide advice and co-operation to solve ecological problems in which biogeochemical cycles are of central importance. The course aims to introduce students to the principles of energy and biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems, focusing on biogeochemical processes, including the underlying physical, chemical and biochemical mechanisms. The main emphasis is on the significance of organisms in these processes. The course focuses on the major biogeochemical cycles and processes regulating the flow and transformation of energy and matter in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The basic principles of organic (C), nutrient (N, P), sulphur and metal cycles are reviewed, focusing on the biogeochemical processes and environmental factors that regulate them. 9

11 Teaching and working methods Lectures, class exercises and student presentations. Oral examination. Oral examination based on randomly drawn questions. The student is given 30 minutes of preparation time, including drawing the examination question. Form of examination The student begins the examination by giving a brief presentation (maximum five minutes) of the examination question. The examination takes the form of a dialogue between the student, the examiner and the moderator. The examination has a duration of 30 minutes, including assessment. Re-examination takes the same form as the ordinary examination. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Individual examination All Seven-point scale External Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Advanced Population and Community Ecology (Environmental Biology) English Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of quantitative methods and techniques for analysis of ecological populations and communities. Skills Understanding of the importance of biodiversity and biological interactions in communities. Insight into ecological community and population dynamics. Understanding of ecological stability, thresholds and resistance. Skills to quantitatively analyse and mathematically represent ecological communities and populations, and to assess the relevance of various methods in different contexts. The ability to utilise relevant univariate and statistical methods to analyse populations and ecological communities. Competencies Competency to provide advice and co-operation to solve ecological problems, applying the methods learned. Competency to describe and explain quantitative data analyses in relevant interdisciplinary work contexts. The course deals with the quantitative assessment of populations and ecological communities. There is a special focus on describing the dynamics and species interactions in ecological communities. Students learn how to evaluate and compare different populations and ecological communities using quantitative methods. 10

12 Teaching and working methods Form of examination Lectures, classes and computer exercises. Oral examination based on randomly drawn questions. The student is given 30 minutes of preparation time, including drawing the examination question. The student begins the examination by giving a brief presentation (maximum five minutes) of the examination question. The examination takes the form of a dialogue between the student, the examiner and an internal moderator. The examination has a duration of 30 minutes, including assessment. Re-examination takes the same form as the ordinary examination. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Individual examination All Seven-point scale Internal Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Project in Environmental Biology (Environmental Biology) English Project 15 ECTS Knowledge Through work with a self-selected, relevant issue within environmental biology, the student acquires knowledge of the latest international research at the highest level and its practical applicability in the analysis of the topic. Knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of environmental biological methods to analyse specific technical issues. Knowledge of fundamental data collection methods in environmental biology, and how to identify and discuss the data obtained. Skills Skills to define and delimit an issue of environmental biology, and to establish scientifically-based, testable hypotheses. The ability to express oneself clearly and in a differentiated manner using relevant technical terms, in accordance with scientific norms and standards. Skills to design and conduct experiments or studies to test proposed hypotheses (in the case of experimental or fieldbased projects), or carry out comparative and/or crosscutting analyses of existing data (in the case of theoretical projects) to test proposed hypotheses. Skills to critically analyse, interpret and discuss data in relation to models, theories and data from the literature. Competencies Competency to independently justify and discuss the relevance and value of the selected technical literature in relation to illuminating the selected problem and case. Competency to independently identify and discuss the 11

13 contents of analyses, designs and data. Competency to critically analyse, interpret and discuss data in relation to models, theories and data from the literature, and to place these in a wider perspective and evaluate possible consequences. Through work with the project, the student(s) must apply relevant theories and methods to analyses within the various fields of study and practice of the subject. Overall content The project must include an investigation of an issue of environmental biology. The project must be based on empirical data, and may be experimental in nature or based on fieldwork. It is also desirable that the project relates to the special academic approaches associated with the subjects of the combination programme. Teaching and working methods Group work, guidance. The project work is assessed by an oral examination. The examination is a group examination for the members of the project group, and takes the form of a conversation between the students, the examiner and the internal moderator. Students are examined on the basis of the entire project report, in such a way as to allow for individual assessment. As a basis for the examination, each group member gives a presentation of a maximum of five minutes duration on a specific theme relating to the project. The size of the project report, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices, is as follows: Form of examination One person, max. 70 standard pages Two persons, max. 85 standard pages Three persons, max. 100 standard pages Four persons, max. 115 standard pages Five persons or more, max. 130 standard pages Project reports must include a 1-2 page summary in Danish or English. The summary is included in the maximum number of pages indicated above. An individual assessment is undertaken of each student s performance. The assessment consists of a combined assessment of the project report and the oral presentation. Group examination or individual examination Assessment Moderation The duration of the examination is 30 minutes per student, including assessment. Group examination Seven-point scale Internal 12

14 Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Project-oriented Internship Report (Environmental Biology) English Internship 15 ECTS Knowledge Through the internship, the student acquires knowledge of the theories and concepts of environmental biology, together with knowledge of methods to describe, understand, analyse, and evaluate relevant issues of environmental biology in practice. Skills The student gains deeper insight into the encounter between the theories, methods and concepts of environmental biology, in conjunction with the practices of the discipline. The practical skills to describe, categorise, analyse and discuss specific practical issues using the theories, concepts and methods of environmental biology. The ability to find, evaluate and apply relevant methods to solve concrete problems. Practical experience in communicating, planning and engaging in dialogue with both experts and stakeholders to perform specific tasks, applying the knowledge and methodology of environmental biology. Competencies Practice-oriented competency to participate in developing solution strategies on the basis of the critical application of the theories and methods of environmental biology. The internship venue can be a company, a public authority, an organisation or the like, dealing with tasks that are relevant to the MSc programme and which represent a possible business function. The Study Board will lay down specific rules for the internship. The Head of Studies must approve the internship venue. The student organises the actual process within the framework laid down by the curriculum. The course takes place under supervision at both the internship venue and the study programme, and concludes with an internship report. Overall content The size of the internship report, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per standard page, is a maximum of 30 pages. The internship report is structured in the same way as a traditional project report, in which weighting of the operationalisation of theories and methods is central. The report concludes with a reflection on the learning outcomes of the internship. The internship project must include an investigation of an issue of environmental biology. The project must be based on empirical data collected during the internship, and may be experimental in nature or based on fieldwork. It is recommended that students draw upon methods and theories from both subjects in the internship report, however with the main emphasis on environmental biology. In the case of a group internship, the number of pages is 13

15 increased by a factor of 1.5 per group member. Teaching and working methods Internship with guidance. The internship must represent at least 350 hours of work in order to be awarded 15 ECTS credits. The internship is assessed by an oral examination. The duration of the examination is 30 minutes per student, including assessment. Form of examination The examination takes the form of a conversation between the student(s) and the examiner. Students are examined on the basis of the whole internship report. As a basis for the examination, each student gives a presentation of a maximum of seven minutes duration on a self-selected, defined theme relating to the internship. The internship report must be provided with a cover page stating the title, project participant(s), supervisor(s), programme and semester. There must also be a table of contents, an abstract and a bibliography. The report must be between 15 and 50 standard pages in length, on the basis of 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. The project report must be written in an easily legible font. An individual assessment is undertaken of each student s performance. The assessment consists of a combined assessment of the internship report and the oral presentation. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Group examination All Pass/Fail None 14

16 5.2 Second semester Object The object of the second semester is to ensure the student acquires in-depth knowledge of a number of core areas within computer science, including machine architecture and operating systems, distributed systems, databases and human-machine interaction. Study programme elements in the second semester The semester encompasses: Computer Science: Course in Mandatory Core Topics Computer Science (10 ECTS) Course in elective subject (5 ECTS) Project work (15 ECTS) Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Mandatory Core Topics (Computer Science) English Compulsory course 10 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of key theories in the core areas of the subject. Knowledge of techniques in the core topics of the subject for the design and construction of software systems that satisfy specified requirements. An overall grasp and understanding of the general principles behind the software and hardware systems used by modern computers, and the user's interaction with these. Skills Skills in selecting and applying appropriate methods and techniques from the area to the analysis, design and construction of software systems. Competencies Competency to work with computer science issues, both independently and in teams. Competency to systematically and critically familiarise oneself with new approaches in the discipline, and thereby take responsibility for one s own professional development. The core topics within Computer Science consist of the topics of machine architecture and operating systems, distributed systems, databases and human-machine interaction. Overall content The course encompasses presentation, critical discussion and testing of knowledge within key areas in each of these topics. Teaching and working methods Form of examination Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment The specific content is described at kursus.ruc.dk. Lectures with exercises, or classes, etc. Oral examination The oral examination has a duration of 30 minutes, including assessment. Individual All Seven-point scale 15

17 Moderation External Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods Form of examination Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Elective courses in Computer Science (Computer Science) English Elective courses 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of a specific area within the field of Computer Science. Knowledge of the techniques of the area for the design and construction of software systems that meet specified requirements. An overall grasp and understanding of the general principles behind the theory, methods and technical solutions of the area. Skills Skills in selecting and applying appropriate methods and techniques from the area to the analysis, design and construction of reliable, user-friendly software systems. Competencies Competency to work with computer science issues, both independently and in teams. Competency to critically and systematically familiarise oneself with new approaches in the discipline, and thereby take independent responsibility for one s own professional development. Elective courses give students an opportunity to specialise in a specific area, in which they acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to apply theories, methods and solution ideas to their own practice in software development. The elective courses may deal with: robotics, artificial intelligence, web technologies, programming languages, parallel computation, mobile computers, etc. Usually class teaching, i.e. a combination of teacher presentations, student presentations, and practical work on specific tasks. Lectures with exercises. For individual course descriptions, see kursus.ruc.dk. Oral examination The oral examination has a duration of 20 minutes, including assessment. Individual All Seven-point scale External Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Project portfolio (Computer Science) English Project portfolio 15 ECTS 16

18 Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods Knowledge In-depth knowledge of the theoretical, methodological and practical possibilities and problems associated with software development, using specific models from the core areas or optional topics. Skills Skills to describe and reflect upon an independently performed task that addresses a complex issue, using relevant solution models. Skills to define and justify a selected solution model and independently plan and implement solutions using relevant scientific literature at a high academic level. Skills to master concepts, theories and methods on the basis of the literature, and to use these in a reflective manner to solve specific problems in Computer Science. Competencies Competency to master computer science development situations that are complex and require new solution models. Students develop their own project portfolios in groups of 2-6 students. The subjects of these must lie within the core topics. The core topics within Computer Science consist of the topics of machine architecture and operating systems, distributed systems, databases and human-machine interaction. A project portfolio is a collection of works (texts, program code, data models, architecture) at various layers of abstraction, associated with workshop-oriented practical work or exercises. The project portfolio must also include a reflection document which cuts across the core topics. The reflection document must be five standard pages in length at 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per student in the group, and must link practical experience to relevant theory from the core topics of Computer Science. The portfolio must also be equipped with a front page, table of contents, bibliography and possible appendices. The project portfolio is normally carried out as a group project with 2-6 participants, but in special cases, the Head of Studies may grant permission for a student to compile the portfolio alone. The topic of the project portfolio work is chosen by the students in accordance with the requirements for learning outcomes and any defined topics and themes laid down by the Study Board. 17

19 Form of examination Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Oral examination based on the project portfolio. Up to five minutes are allocated per student during the examination for a self-chosen, prepared presentation based on the joint project portfolio work. The examination otherwise takes the form of a conversation between the student(s), the examiner and the moderator, under the direction of the examiner. During the examination, it must be ensured that all examinees are given an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the joint work and their academic standard in relation to the expected learning outcomes. The project report must be between 20 and 100 standard pages in length, at 2,400 characters per page, including spaces. The page count does not include the table of contents, bibliography, abstract or any appendices. The duration of the examination, including assessment, is determined as follows: One examinee: 30 minutes Two examinees: 60 minutes Three examinees: 75 minutes Four examinees: 90 minutes Five examinees: 105 minutes Six examinees: 120 minutes Group examination All Seven-point scale Internal 5.3 Third semester The third semester consists of study activities in both Environmental Biology and Computer Science. Object The object of the third semester is to train students in the various practical skills (field and laboratorybased) used in research and professional functions within the field of environmental biology. Via elective choices, the semester is also intended to allow students to customise and specialise their studies. Study programme elements in the third semester The semester encompasses: Environmental Biology: Field Course: Practical Ecology - Monitoring Techniques (5 ECTS) Either: Laboratory Exercises in Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS), or: Laboratory Exercises in Biological Stressors (5 ECTS) Elective courses in Environmental Biology (5 ECTS) Topics in Environmental Biology (5 ECTS) Laboratory Exercises in Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS) Laboratory Exercises in Stress Biology (5 ECTS) Principles and Practice of Ecotoxicology (5 ECTS) Biological Resources and Production (5 ECTS) Energy and Element Cycling in Ecosystems (5 ECTS) Advanced Population and Community Ecology (5 ECTS) or courses in Environmental Risk ER4: Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Environmental Risk Assessment (5 ECTS) Computer Science: Project work (15 ECTS), 18

20 or: Internship project (15 ECTS) Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods Field Course: Practical Ecology - Monitoring Techniques (Environmental Biology) English Compulsory field course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of the practical application of the theories and methods of environmental biology. Skills Hands-on knowledge of the assessment of environmental conditions in nature (monitoring). Skills to carry out exemplary environmental assessments using appropriate field-based methods and theories. The ability to utilise appropriate measuring tools and field techniques, and to assess application possibilities in practice. Competencies Competency to translate collected measurements and data into specific environmental assessments, and to place these in a broader societal perspective and cooperate to solve issues. The field course provides students with hands-on experience of field methods in environmental assessment and monitoring. A practical field course in which students learn and apply selected field-based methodologies and techniques in the assessment and monitoring of the ecological status and environmental condition of selected aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Oral presentation at the end of the course, in groups of 2-8 students, of selected results and assessment of environmental conditions on the basis of collected empirical data. Form of examination The oral examination has a duration of 30 minutes per group, and must be undertaken in a manner that allows individual assessment. Re-examination takes the form of a four-day written assignment on a set topic, with a presentation of collected results. The written assignment must be between 5 and 15 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Group examination All Pass/Fail None Title Teaching language Laboratory Exercises in Ecotoxicology (Environmental Biology) English 19

21 Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of standardised acute toxicological tests. Knowledge of relevant acute and chronic measuring points (endpoints) in ecotoxicological testing. Understanding of the need for controllable laboratory conditions in ecotoxicological tests. Skills Skills to independently carry out standardised ecotoxicological tests. Skills to design non-standardised ecotoxicological tests of selected endpoints. Skills to analyse dose-response data and estimate effective concentrations (e.g. LC50 or EC50). The ability to work in an exemplary manner, in accordance with applicable safety standards, in ecotoxicological laboratories. Competencies Competency to interpret and communicate relevant laboratory results to both professionals and experts, and to assess the risk of the chemicals investigated. Competency to work in laboratories and handle hazardous chemical substances. Overall content Teaching and working methods The laboratory course gives the students hands-on experience of standard and advanced laboratory methods used in ecotoxicology. Practical laboratory training, in which students learn how to implement standardised and non-standardised ecotoxicological tests, including biological and analytical chemical measurements relevant to the tests. Oral presentation at the end of the course, in groups of 2-8 students, of selected parts of analyses undertaken during the course, with attached digital copy of the presentation (e.g. PowerPoint slides). Form of examination The oral presentation has a duration of 30 minutes per group, and must be undertaken in a manner that allows individual assessment. Re-examination takes the form of a four-day written assignment on a set topic, with a presentation of collected results. The assignment must be between 5 and 15 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Group examination All Pass/Fail None Title Teaching language Type ECTS credits Laboratory Exercises in Stress Biology (Environmental Biology) English Elective course 5 ECTS 20

22 Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods Form of examination Knowledge Knowledge of relevant and measurable physiological response parameters for plants and animals (e.g. respiration, photosynthesis). Skills Understanding of how environmental and ecological stress factors affect the physiology of organisms. Understanding of the need for controllable laboratory conditions in ecophysiological tests. Skills to independently carry out controlled ecophysiological experiments (animals and plants). Skills to measure and analyse selected physiological responses. Competencies Competency to interpret and communicate relevant laboratory results to both professionals and experts, and assess the physiological condition of organisms and their response to ecological stressors. Competency to work in laboratories and process analysed data. A practical laboratory course in which the student investigates physiological responses (e.g. respiration or photosynthesis rate) in selected organisms under controlled environmental conditions. Practice-oriented teaching in the laboratory, in which students learn to implement appropriate measurements in order to assess the ecophysiological condition of animals and plants in relation to environmental stressors. Oral presentation at the end of the course, in groups of 2-8 students, of selected parts of analyses undertaken during the course, with attached digital copy of the presentation (e.g. PowerPoint slides). The oral presentation has a duration of 30 minutes per group, and must be undertaken in a manner that allows individual assessment. Re-examination takes the form of a four-day written home assignment on a set topic, with a presentation of collected results. The home assignment must be between 5 and 15 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment Moderation Group examination All Pass/Fail None Title Teaching language Topics in Environmental Biology (Environmental Biology) English Course Type A course focusing on a selected area of research in environmental biology. The courses of this type available in the current semester are listed at: <kursus.ruc.dk>. 21

23 ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge based on the highest international level in relation to the chosen field of research. Insight and critical reflection on a scientific basis in relation to the selected area s theories, methods and practices, as well as identification of key scientific issues in the field. Familiarity with the most important research results in the selected field of research. Skills Skills to critically analyse research results in the selected research field. The ability to apply appropriate environmental biological theory to analyse selected research results. Skills to independently locate and analyse relevant research results. Competencies Competency to interpret and communicate relevant research findings to both professionals and experts. Competency to take stock of and communicate a complex field of research or topic. Competency to discuss a complex field of research and its associated theories, methods, etc., with professional experts. A course that illuminates theories, principal results and methods in a selected field of research in environmental biology. The course takes the form of a symposium in which teachers and students meet to discuss theories, methods and results in the chosen field of research. The teaching methods may include presentations from the teacher and students, as necessary. Form of examination Individual oral examination on the basis of a written report and a randomly drawn question. The written report may be written individually or in groups of 2-8 students. The report must analyse a self-chosen case within the field of research dealt with by the course. The report must be between 5 and 10 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. The student draws an examination question three weekdays prior to the examination. The duration of the oral examination is 30 minutes, including assessment. Re-examination takes the form of a four-day written assignment on a set topic, with a presentation of collected results placed in relation to relevant theory. The assignment must be between 5 and 15 pages in length, based on 2,400 characters (incl. spaces) per page, excluding the front page, table of contents, bibliography and any appendices. Group examination or individual examination Assessment Moderation Individual Seven-point scale Internal Title Principles and Practice of Ecotoxicology (Environmental Biology) 22

24 Teaching language Type ECTS credits Learning outcomes / evaluation criteria Overall content Teaching and working methods English Elective course 5 ECTS Knowledge Knowledge of dose-response relationships in ecotoxicology. Insight into how organisms are exposed to and affected by chemicals in the environment. Understanding of how chemical properties and environmental factors determine the effect on organisms. Skills Skills to undertake risk and hazard assessments of chemicals. The ability to define and interpret effective concentrations (e.g. LC50, EC50). Skills to estimate the effects of chemical substances on populations of organisms. Competencies Competency to use characteristics and measured properties to interpret and assess the risks posed by chemicals for organisms, in various work contexts. The course provides knowledge of how and why chemicals are regulated. The course encompasses quantitative ecotoxicology, including modelling dose-effect/dose-response, and insight into the impact of chemicals at population, ecological community and ecosystem level, with a view to carrying out environmental risk assessments. The characterisation of chemicals according to their risk to organisms is presented, together with the relevant toxicological and ecological theories. The course focuses on how scientific principles are applied in practice, with a view to undertaking risk assessment and regulation of chemicals. A theoretical and practical course (lectures and exercises). The course includes lectures, panel discussions, classes and computer exercises. Written examination. Three-hour written, invigilated examination with supplied examination questions and examination tasks. Re-examination normally takes the same form as the ordinary examination, but the Study Board may choose a different examination form. Form of examination If the re-examination is an oral examination, it takes the form of a dialogue between the student, the examiner and the moderator. Group examination or individual examination Permitted examination aids Assessment The oral examination will be based on randomly-drawn questions. The student is given 30 minutes of preparation time, including drawing the examination question. The student begins the examination by giving a brief presentation (maximum five minutes) of the examination question. The examination has a duration of 30 minutes, including assessment. Individual examination Calculator and dictionaries. Seven-point scale 23