Freshwater Ecology, Advanced Level
7.5 credits
Freshwater ecology (limnology) describes our freshwater ecosystems (lakes, streams and rivers) in a river basin context. Emphasis is on how aquatic organisms interact with each other and with their habitats, and the distribution, variation and role of the organisms.
This course combines theory with practical training of standardized methods for sampling and analysis of water quality and biotic factors in the shoreline, bottom and free water masses. This includes exercises in identification of important groups of organisms.
Freshwaters are under many kinds of threat such as eutrophication, contamination and water extraction. All over the world, clean water and flourishing lakes are environmental objectives of high priority. The course addresses such objectives and actions against major environmental problems in freshwaters.
The course is given at an advanced level and consists of lectures, seminars, field (approximately 1 week) and lab work, assignments, report writing and an individual project. Skills such as critical thinking and analysis of results in relation to the scientific literature are emphasized. There will also be opportunities for individual feedback on oral and written presentations. These aspects are especially accentuated during report writing and in the individual project.
It is recommended to read the course in conjunction with Marine Ecology (15 ECTS).
Kalmar – the student city by the sea
In Kalmar centre, right next to the sea, you will find the university’s facilities that were inaugurated in August 2021. In Kalmar, everything is nearby, and you can take your bicycle to the university regardless of where you live in the city.
New students have housing guarantee. This means that you are entitled to student accommodation within two months. This is one of the reasons for Kalmar being appointed Student City of the Year 2023 by the Swedish National Union of Students. Kalmar has also received the award because the city offers students an excellent living environment. What is more, the city works actively to create opportunities for students to stay in Kalmar to work when they have completed their studies.
Kalmar municipality has about 70 000 inhabitants. Kalmar has a strong trade and industry with many companies that are on the forefront in green energy, e-commerce, and eHealth, which means there is good opportunity to establish contacts for your future work life.
Kalmar has a cultural history centre and has been named Sweden’s Summer City several times. No wonder, with all the hours of sun, beaches and concerts. What is more, the island of Öland is just one bridge away.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.