| Responsible Department | Department of Basic Science and Environment |
| Earliest Possible Year | MSc. 1 year to MSc. 2 year |
| Duration | One block |
| Credits | 7.5 (ECTS) |
| Level of Course | MSc |
| Examination | Continuous Assessment written examination Portfolio Examination All aids allowed Description of Examination: 5 assignment in the portefolie is graded Weight: To be decided later, e.g. 15%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 25% 7-point scale, no second examiner |
| Requirement for Attending Exam | Min. activity in all E-modules, i.e. passed 3 of 5 weekly e-lessons. Passing requirements will be described for each e-lesson, e.g. minimum score 60% or "acceptable" contribution to the discussion |
| Organisation of Teaching | On-line course |
| Block Placement | Block 4 Week Structure: Outside schedule |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Optional Prerequisites | Miljøkemi i biologiske systemer Jord, Vand og Planter |
| Course Content | |
| Water resources in Europe is an interdisciplinary E-learning course offered by the University of Copenhagen in close cooperation with the University of Hohenheim, University of Natural Resources and Applied Sciences in Vienna, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and perhaps more European institutions. Through distance learning it is available everywhere and it is open for MSc students and continuing education students with a relevant BSc background in natural science, environmental engineering, biology or hydrology. The focus of the course is on fresh water bodies in Europe and the study of their biological, chemical and physical phases, including understanding of the role of water in the ecosystems and the introduction to and practice of sampling methodologies, as well as solution and techniques to improve water quality in ecosystems. Using the textbook as main reference together with recent complementary materials, the relevant techniques, tools and methodologies are applied to analyse and discuss the different aspects of water resources in Europe. The course is divided in three main parts. In the first part of the course the E-learning platform is introduced and a starting understanding of the water resource in Europe is given, together with a brief introduction to the importance of water resources for human and ecosystems. Good quality of water bodies and water uses are explained. A general introduction to water problems, challenges and solutions is presented. In the second part of the course the functioning of fresh water bodies are studied. After a short introduction to the water bodies ecosystems, the diverse phases, biological, physical and chemical are presented and discussed in relation to lakes, streams/rivers and ground water. The third part of the course deals with the strategies to protect, restore and conserve water resources. First, a number of strategies and methods to improve water quality are studied, and afterwards, it is analyzed and discussed what implications are included in regards to the WFD and others EU directives. | |
| Teaching and learning Methods | |
| Internet based E-learning modules (E-modules) with weekly deadlines. Each E-module is composed of 1) an introduction 2) an overview of the purpose, the subjects and the lessons learned, 3) a short study guide 4) Learning resources (which can be text, audio and/or video files) and 5) several exercises called E-lessons. The E-lessons are on-line learning activities which can be either questionnaires, assignments or discussions. The role of the teachers is to assist student learning by serving as E-moderators for the various E-lessons. | |
| Learning Outcome | |
| The aim of the course is to provide a solid understanding of fresh water resources in Europe, the threats and challenges to water resources, and provide the knowledge and tools to devise effective and integral strategies for the conservation of water ecosystems at a European scale. After completing the course the student should be able to: Knowledge: Functioning of fresh water ecosystems. Integrating the biological, physical and chemical aspects. Identify and put in practice different methods to determine water quality. Become aware of the complex interrelations among water bodies, ecosystems and human activities. Skills: Apply relevant techniques to analyse fresh water body status. Compare water qualities among fresh water bodies through Europe. Identification of threats and application of solutions to fresh waters to achieve good ecological quality as described in the WFD. Competences: Cooperate and work independently with fresh water analysis, evaluation and classification. Discuss how good water quality is preserved or achieved for the different European fresh waters. | |
| Course Literature | |
| Course material consists of a textbook, and selected texts as well as audio and video files, which will be made available on the course pages at absalon.ku.dk | |
| Course Coordinator | |
| Bjarne W. Strobel, bjwe@life.ku.dk, Department of Basic Sciences and Environment, Phone: 353-32411 | |
| Study Board | |
| Study Committee NSN | |