Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- to understand the principles of environmental cycles (e.g. carbon,nutrient, water and air cycle)
- to understand the importance of biodiversity in the sustainability of life
- to know the principles and methods related to ecosystem services

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is a virtual course. The contact learning lectures are held online. The assignments and exams can be done independently.
Exact timing will be informed in the course´s Moodle platform in the beginning of the study module.

Timing and attendance

The course is held during the fall semester.

Learning material and recommended literature

All the materials will be achievable online and delivered in Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Arrangements will be agreed with the teacher in responsible of the course.

Exam retakes

Will be informed in the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Online learning platform, ZOOM and Teams.

Student time use and work load

The average work load for this course is estimated to be 135 hours (5 ECTS). The main part of the study module´s work load consists of independent work, about 100 hours. The time allocation for contact learning is about 5 hours. There is also about 30 hours time allocated for final exam, preparation and execution.

Contents

During the course students get an overall picture about natural process in which elements are continuously cycled in various forms between different compartments of the environment (inside and outside reservoirs). The course considers the importance of biodiversity and how nature can be valued through ecosystem services.
Some bio-based cycles are investigated from the Circular Economy approach (food, forest industry side streams, bio-energy)

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prerequisites

Assessment criteria

All of the assignments and exam must be done (and approved).

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Does not meet the competence requirements of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- can recognize reasons for the knowledge of environmental cycles as a part of the circular economy to explore industries and services connection to the environmental cycles and their role to the nature environment
- can recognize a variety of approaches and tools of the sustainability to and to promote the sustainable use of environment in some extent
- has readiness to participate in applying the issues to one’s own field of studies/work and learn how to be part of the solution.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- can collect the data for the environmental cycles as a part of the circular economy to explore industries and services connection to the environmental cycles and their role to the nature environment
- can use some approaches and tools of the sustainability to and to promote the sustainable use of environment in some extent
- has readiness to manage the issues in one’s own field of studies/work and learn how to be part of the solution.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- can collect and analyse the data for the environmental cycles as a part of the circular economy to explore industries and services connection to the environmental cycles and their role to the nature environment
- can use several approaches and tools of the sustainability to and to promote the sustainable use of environment in some extent
- can manage the issues in one’s own field of studies/work and learn how to be part of the solution