Large Scale Challenges to the Climate and the Environment
This course is the common starting point for the two Master Programmes in Environmental Science. The course explores the composition and function of the environment, and how natural environmental systems are perturbed by anthropogenic disturbances.
The course consists of three course modules:
- Global Challenges: This module will give you an overview of global environmental challenges and the impact on the natural environmental system from society. You will become familiar with several basic concepts like biogeochemical cycles, the hydrological cycle, and large-scale energy balances. In addition, this module introduces ethical and philosophical issues in human-environmental interactions.
- Tools: This module will give you tools for statistics, research and communication. You will learn how to analyse environmental data, as well as how to find and report scientific information.
- The Environmental System: This unit will give you an overview/review of the large-scale perturbations of the environmental system:
- water system (incl. eutrophication and ecosystem changes),
- air pollution,
- climate change,
- contamination from synthetic chemicals and their effects on ecosystems, organisms and human health.
These perturbations will be evaluated from four perspectives: observed effects (problem description), sources, dispersion, and actions to be taken.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Registration
Admitted students
Register on the web (Ladok for students). The registration will open 5 August for all courses, but check the last day of registration for each course in Ladok. If you have not studied at Stockholm University before, you first need to activate your university account (Get access to IT services).
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted you must be able to show the appropriate documents to prove your eligibility to be able to register for the course. To show that you fulfil the requirement and to remove the conditional admittance, please contact us at the department, studeranu@aces.su.se.
How to decline your offer
If you decid not to attend, it’s important that you decline your place as soon as possible so that other students can be awarded a place. Follow the instructions given under Universityadmission.se – ‘Application’ after you log in. Read more here – Declining places you don't wish to keep
Roll call
In order to confirm the final number of participants, every course has a roll-call at the first lecture. If you are unable to attend the roll-call, you need to contact us (studeranu@aces.su.se) no later than the course start date.
Disability Services
Stockholm University provides targeted study support to students with long-term disabilities.
Read more: Studying with a disability
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The course consists of three course modules:
- Global Challenges: This module will give you an overview of global environmental challenges and the impact on the natural environmental system from society. You will become familiar with several basic concepts like biogeochemical cycles, the hydrological cycle, and large-scale energy balances. In addition, this module introduces ethical and philosophical issues in human-environmental interactions.
- Tools: This module will give you tools for statistics, research and communication. You will learn how to analyse environmental data, as well as how to find and report scientific information.
- The Environmental System: This unit will give you an overview/review of the large-scale perturbations of the environmental system:
- water system (incl. eutrophication and ecosystem changes),
- air pollution,
- climate change,
- contamination from synthetic chemicals and their effects on ecosystems, organisms and human health.
These perturbations will be evaluated from four perspectives: observed effects (problem description), sources, dispersion, and actions to be taken.
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Course structure
Modules
1: Global Challenges, 3,5 hp
2: Tools, 3,5 hp
3: The Environmental System, 8 hp
Teaching format
The course consists of lectures and group instructions and exercises. The course is offered in English.
Assessment
The course is examined as follows:
Part 1 (Global Challenges) is assessed through written exam.
Part 2 (Statistics, research and communication tools) is assessed by written reports.
Part 3 (The Environmental System) is assessed by written assignments and written exam.Your rights and responsibilities
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Relevant literature will be handed out
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Course reports
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More information
This course is compulsory in both Environmental Science master’s programs, but may also be taken as an separate course.
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Contact
Study counsellors
Course coordinator
Jana Weiss, Jana.Weiss@aces.su.se
Department of environmental Science, unit of Exposure and Effects
