BB69: Danish ecosystems and their development (3 ECTS)

STADS: 460901

Level


Teaching period

Spring semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: foa@biology.sdu.dk

Additional teachers
hsj@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
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Comment:
Ekskursion 3 dage (29 april til og med 1.maj)

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
None.

Course introduction
To give the students knowledge about important Danish ecosystems and their flora and fauna. Emphasis will also be on the development and the future of the ecosystems. A number of common environmental problems will be discussed and demonstrated during the course. The course includes a 3-days excursion, during which a number of ecosystems will be visited. At each locality we will discuss the development and the environmental influences. Focus will be on man-made changes of nature. The problems with the changes and possibilities for re-establishing nature will be discussed.

Expected learning outcome


Subject overview
1) The stream and its valley
The river Skjern Å will be followed from its start to its mouth at Ringkøbing Fjord. Along the river we will notice the following man-made changes: Lignite mining, iron ochre pollution, channelization of rivers, and freshwater aquaculture. The re-establishment of the river system and the importance of riverine wetlands will be described. Futhermore, a small river and lake west of Haderslev, where reestablishment has taken place, will be visited.

2) The Wadden Sea.
The characteristic physical features of the Wadden Sea will be described. The importance of plants and animals for the cycling of organic matter and nutrients and the development of the Wadden Sea will be adressed. The function of the Wadden Sea as an important resting place for birds will be discussed. At the Wadden Sea effects of embankment and land reclamation will be demonstrated.

3) Forest and bog.
The forest Draved Skov is one of the few natural forests left in Denmark The development of the forest has been studied by pollen analysis (the principle of this analysis will be described). The bog Kongsmosen is located nearby the forest. The following threats to forests and bogs will be adressed: burning, lowering of the groundwater table, forestation of the bogs, air pollution.

Literature

Oplyses ved kursets start.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
Active participation and approval of report. Internal examiner. Pass/Fail basis.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

12t forelæsninger og seminarer og tre dages ekskursion (18t).
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in Danish.

Remarks
Please remember to register for examination/evaluation.

The course is taught for the last time in the spring semester of 2006 and will be replaced by BB507.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.