Environmental Science BA (A), Systems Ecology – Nature and Society, 7.5 credits
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Syllabus:
Miljövetenskap GR (A), Systemekologi – naturen och samhället, 7.5 hp
Environmental Science BA (A), Systems Ecology – Nature and Society, 7.5 credits
General data
- Code: MX053G
- Subject/Main field: Environmental Science
- Cycle: First cycle
- Progression: (A)
- Credits: 7.5
- Progressive specialization: G1N - First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
- Education area: Natural sciences 100%
- Answerable department: Natural science, Design, and Sustainable Development
- Approved: 2024-10-22
- Version valid from: 2025-01-20
Aim
The aim of the course is to introduce the branch of systems ecology that has been developed based on the energy hierarchy concept.
Course objectives
After completing the course, the students should be able to:
- explain in systems terminology how the environment and society can be described as a system,
- explain the energy hierarchy concept,
- describe the planet earth and ecosystems from an energy backbone,
- explain how empower can be seen as a basis for society,
- describe how the geobiosphere builds and maintain structure, information, and evolution,
- explain the interplay between energy systems and money, and
- describe the energetic organization of society.
Content
The course covers the following parts:
- Environment and society as a system
- The energy hierarchy
- Energy and Planet Earth
- Energy and ecosystems
- Empower basis for society
- Structure, information, and evolution
- Energy and economics
- Energetic organization of society
Entry requirements
General entry requirements
Selection rules and procedures
The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.
Teaching form
The teaching is adapted for self-studies. The course is taught in English.
Examination form
T100: Written exam, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Link to grading criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria
The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.
Examination restrictions
Students registered on this version of the course syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within one year according to the specified examination forms. Thereafter the examination form is in according to the current course syllabus.
Grading system
Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Course reading
Required literature
Author: Odum, H. T.
Title: Environment, Power and Society for the Twenty-First Century: The Hierarchy of Energy
Edition: 2007
Publisher: New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Comment: Available as e-book from the MIUN library.
Reference literature
Author: Odum, H. T.
Title: Ecological and General Systems: An Introduction to Systems Ecology
Edition: 1994
Publisher: Niwot, CO, USA: Univ. Press of Colorado
Author: Odum, H. T.
Title: Systems Ecology: An Introduction
Edition: 1983
Publisher: New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Author: Odum, H. T.
Title: Environmental Accounting: Emergy and Environmental Decision Making
Edition: 1996
Publisher: New York: John Wiley & Sons
Author: Le Corre, O.
Title: Emergy
**Edition:**2016
Publisher: Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier
The literature list will be complemented by scientific articles and other relevant material.