Coursesstudents

 

Contact information:

Kirsi Kuoppamäki, PhD

e-mail:
kirsi.kuoppamaki(at)helsinki.fi

Department of Environmental Sciences
University of Helsinki
Niemenkatu 73, 15140 Lahti
FINLAND

phone +358-9-19120325
fax +358-9-19157561

 

Courses

Birds, photo: Tiina Airamo

Degree requirements can be downloaded from here (pdf, 184 kB)

Courses currently given in Lahti

GENERAL STUDIES (5 ECTS credits)

502019 Orientation, Informatics and Personal Study Plan (HOPS), 1 cr

993734/993735 Academic Writing I & II, 4 cr

 

MAJOR SUBJECT STUDIES

Obligatory studies (78-84 ECTS credits)
502035 Urban Ecosystem Ecology (3 cr)
502037 Environmental Protection (3 cr)
502036 Hydrology and Water Reserves (3 cr)
502038 Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (4 cr)
502040 Field Course in Urban Environmental Ecology (8 cr)
502069 Seminar Course on Urban Environmental Issues (3 cr)
50233 Master's Thesis Seminar I & II (3 cr)
50139 Master's Thesis (40 cr)

570020 Maturity Test (0 cr)
50236 Final Examination of the Master's Degree (6-12 cr)

Elective studies (minimum of 6 ECTS credits)
519018 Ecology and Management of Urban Green Space (5 cr)
502039 Landscape Ecology (4 cr)
519062 History of Urbanisation and Urban Ecology (4 cr)
523052 Conservation Biology in Fragmented Landscapes (7+2 cr)
519015 Environmental Ethics (3 cr)
Urban Environmental Transition (3-5 cr)

 

OTHER, FREE CHOICE STUDIES (minimum of 10 ECTS credits)

Courses of the following subjects are recommended.

 

Course Descriptions

Obligatory courses are indicated in red.

 

GENERAL STUDIES

 

502019 Orientation, Informatics and Personal Study Plan (HOPS), 1 cr

Objective and content: During orientation, educational facilities in Lahti and Helsinki are introduced. Students get acquainted with class rooms, laboratories, libraries and other essential places as well as the web-based learning environment. Teachers present themselves, the contents of their courses and give information on their research projects, and provide suitable topics that can be considered for the Master's thesis. During the orientation course, good practices are given on how to study and how to do examinations. Students must also pass the ICT Driving Licence, a common course for all students of the University of Helsinki that is designed to ensure that each new student has the necessary ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills for studying at the university.

A personal study plan for the studies (HOPS) to be completed for the Master’s degree is an important part of the orientation course. The plan involves a timetable for the completion of the studies. This is done through discussions and group work organised and supervised by the teachers. Thereafter, students independently write their plans as well as an essay about their interests and motivation towards urban environmental issues.
Realisation and working methods : Participation, essay. The Language Centre organises the essay and a written and signed plan of the completion of studies.

Assessment: pass/fail
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993734 Academic Writing in English, part I, 2 cr
Objective and content: Academic writing course, part I, is run in parallel with the seminar Course on Urban Environmental Issues seminar series (see course description below; code 502069). It is intended for students who are currently writing seminar essays, reports, thesis and articles as part of their studies. The aim is to achieve a high level of academic English required for completing study-related academic texts (e.g. theses, reports, essays, academic articles). The academic writing course consists of: 1. class input sessions focusing on diverse topics such as the structure of texts, sequence and cohesion, mechanical problems and avoiding plagiarism; and 2. independent writing assignments related to each student’s studies. Knowledge of the mechanics of writing in English is given as well as instruction on how to write, and lots of hands-on practice of writing. Students who complete this course have the option to continue with a follow-up course.

Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, group work, writing assignments
Assessment: pass/fail

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993735 Academic Writing for Students in English-Medium Master’s Degree Programmes, part II, 2 cr

Objective and content: Academic writing, part II, is targeted towards students in English-Medium Master’s Degree Programmes who are currently writing up their thesis. The aim of this course is to improve the student’s academic writing skills and provide consultation, feedback and language support for writing a high quality thesis in English. The focus is on editing draft versions of the thesis based on the feedback received during the consultation sessions.
Prerequisite: Completed the course Academic Writing for Students in English-Medium Master's Degree Programmes (see previous course above), which is run in parallel with the Seminar Course on Urban Environmental Issues.

Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, group work, writing assignments
Assessment: pass/fail

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MAJOR SUBJECT STUDIES

 

Obligatory studies (78-84 ECTS credits)

502035 Urban Ecosystem Ecology, 3 cr

Objective and content: This course builds upon introducing and understanding two concepts of urban ecology: 1) ecology in cities, and 2) ecology of cities. The former focuses on examining urban sites as “novel ecosystems” into which species from the surrounding natural ecosystems should adapt in order to establish viable populations/communities. The latter considers cities/towns as ecosystems focusing on ecosystem-level phenomena in urbanised areas, such as material cycles as energy flows. This course provides the students with basic “urban-ecology tools” to be applied in e.g. urban planning.

Realisation and working methods:
The course consists of lectures (20 hrs), a written report and an exam
Assessment: 0-5
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502037 Environmental Protection, 3 cr

Objective and content: Globally, Finland is ranked first in terms of water protection. How can this achievement be explained from an urban point of view? Water pollution and water protection were invented at the local level, in cities, in the late 19th century and developed considerably over the next century.The development of water protection will be discussed by presenting the main actors in the field – science, technology, policy, economy, media and movements – and present their respective approaches, rationalities and rhetoric by means of concrete examples.

Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, exam
Assessment: 0-5
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502036 Hydrology and Water Reserves, 3 cr

Objective and content: The course will give information on surface and ground water reserves and circulation of water in general, especially in urban ecosystems. The impact of urbanisation on water circulation and the quality of surface waters are two of the main topics of the course. The basics of the formation and usage of ground water and specific features of ground water areas are also dealt with in this course. In addition, the potential risks that threaten the quality and quantity of surface and ground waters and methods/techniques to prevent the unwanted alterations in water bodies and reserves are presented.

Realisation and working methods:
The course consists of lectures (30 hrs), exercises and an exam
Assessment: 0-5
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502038 Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 4 cr

Objective and content: The impact of urbanisation on the quality of soil, watershed and urban air is inevitable. This course will introduce basic mechanisms on how urban areas and their surroundings are affected by chemicals. The sources, transport, environmental fate and levels of contaminants will be discussed. This course also provides a broad overview of different aspects of ecotoxicology, including acute and chronic toxicity, sensitivity of urban species, factors affecting bioavailability and bioaccumulation and ecology related topics. The most important contaminant groups in soils and storm water will be studied more closely. Air pollution related to urbanisation will also be covered.

Realisation and working methods:
The course consists of lectures (30 hrs), a written report and an exam
Assessment: 0-5

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502040 Field Course in Urban Environmental Ecology, 8 cr

Objective and content: In this field/laboratory course students will learn the basic research methods in urban environmental ecology. Using these skills the knowledge they have gained during lectures will be implemented in practical applications. "Urban laboratories" in Helsinki metropoly area will serves as model sites to teach students how to use scientific research methods in management and planning processes in environments with varying degree of urbanisation. The course consists of introductory lectures, field excursions and fieldwork, laboratory work and a seminar.
Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, demonstrations, field and laboratory work, computer assignments, written reports, seminar
Assessment: 0-5
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502069 Seminar Course on Urban Environmental Issues, 3 cr

Objective and content: This seminar introduces students to the writing and presentation techniques of written and oral presentations based on scientific research. The aim of the seminar is to practice scientific writing, argumentation and presentation, using the scientific literature. Students prepare seminar presentations on topics related to their own Master’s thesis, covering the background, objectives, methodology and their most important findings. Giving and receiving feedback is also practiced by acting as opponents to fellow students’ presentations and by actively engaging in the discussions.
The academic writing course (see Academic Writing under General Studies above) is run in parallel with the seminar Course on Urban Environmental Issues and is intended for students who are currently writing seminar essays, reports, thesis and articles as part of their studies. The aim is for students to achieve a high level of academic English required for completing study-related academic texts (e.g. theses, reports, essays, academic articles). The academic writing course consists of: 1. class input sessions focusing on diverse topics such as the structure of texts, sequence and cohesion, mechanical problems and avoiding plagiarism; and 2. independent writing assignments related to each student’s studies. Knowledge of the mechanics of writing in English is given as well as instruction on how to write, and lots of hands-on practice of writing. Students who complete this course have the option to continue with a follow-up Academic Writing course.

Realisation and working methods:
Independent searching of scientific literature, writing assignments, oral seminar presentation, discussion and opponent rehearsal.
Assessment: 0-5
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50233 Master's Thesis Seminar I & II, 3 cr

Realisation and working methods:
20 minutes for the presentation and an additional 20 minutes for discussion
Assessment: pass/fail

Master's Thesis Seminar I: Objective and content: Students present their research plans to teachers and other students. No later than one week before the seminar, a one-page summary must be given to the teacher.

Master's Thesis Seminar II: Objective and content: A presentation is given on the (nearly) completed thesis to teachers and other students. No later than one week before the seminar, a one-page summary must be given to the teacher.
Prerequisite: Master’s Thesis Seminar I
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50139 Master's Thesis, 40 cr

Master's thesis on urban environmental issues consists of an empirical section and its critical examination using literature related to the research topic. The thesis can also consist solely of a theoretical literature review. The Master’s thesis must show the student’s ability to think scientifically, mastery of the necessary research methods, familiarity with the research topic and the competence required for scientific communication in the field. The thesis work can be completed independently, or alternatively, by participating in group work or a wider research project, provided that the student’s independent input can be verified and assessed. Each student must write the thesis independently. Before starting to write the Master’s thesis, the student is to write a separate Master’s thesis plan, which must be accepted by the professor. Students must be assigned to a supervisor. Instructions and forms for thesis preparation as well as assessment criteria can be found here
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570020 Maturity test, 0 cr

The requirements for the degree of Master of Science include a written maturity test which is intended to demonstrate the student's familiarity with the topic and content of the Master's thesis.
Assessment: pass/fail
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50236 Final Examination for the Master's Degree, 6-12 cr

Objective and content: A literature examination performed on a general examination day. The final exam can be done in two parts. The required literature consists of up-to-date scientific books and articles (100 - 150 pages will yield one credit) and is agreed upon with a responsible person of the study unit.

Realisation and working methods: book exam
Prerequisite: Recommended to be completed during the student's second year in the programme.

Assessment: 0-5

Literature: Selected books dealing with urban environmental issues, such as:
(1) Alberti, M. 2008. Advances in Urban Ecology. Integrating Humans and Ecological Processes in Urban Ecosystems - Springer-Verlag, 366p
(2) Turner, M.G., Gardner, R.H. & O'Neill, R.V. 2001. Landscape Ecology in Theory and Practice: Pattern and Process. Springer, 401p
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Elective studies (minimum of 6 ECTS credits)

519018 Ecology and Management of Urban Green Space, 5 cr

Objective and content: The objective of this course is to introduce the students to the theory and practice of the ecology and management of green space in cities and urban regions. Urban sustainability, the ecosystem services approach and social-ecological linkages in green space planning will be addressed and examples of ‘building a green city’ will be discussed. During excursions, the issues of ecology and environmental technology linked to urban green space and water elements will be pointed out. In addition, the role of green space in improving the ecological function of urban areas will be addressed.
Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, field excursions, group work
Assessment: 0-5
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502039 Landscape Ecology, 4 cr

Objective and content: Landscape ecology provides essential tools for urban planning and land management. In this course, students get acquainted with the main concepts of landscape ecology, the spatial variation in landscapes and its interactions with ecological processes across a variety of scales. The course deals with the causes and consequences of this spatial heterogeneity and introduces various methods by which they can be described and studied. The effects of landscape patterns on populations, communities and ecosystem functions will also be discussed. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, a written report and an exam.

Realisation and working methods: Lectures, group work, written report, seminar
Assessment: 0-5
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519062 History of Urbanisation and Urban Ecology, 4 cr

Objective and content: This course introduces the concept of urbanisation, and discusses its spread from southeast Europe around 700 BC across the continent. It identifies factors that have accelerated urbanisation, such as transport infrastructure and economic development. As a result, the countryside has become abandoned and we will look at the urban-rural divide. Urban green space has become increasingly important to city dwellers and we will investigate the development of parks and other green space in the confines of the city. Finally, a history of urban ecology as a science will be addressed.

Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, written report, exam
Assessment: 0-5

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523052 Conservation Biology in Fragmented Landscapes, 7+2 cr

Objective and content: The course will give information on the spatial structure and dynamics of fragmented populations. The topics of the lectures deal with habitat loss and fragmentation, metapopulation concepts and modelling, the causes and patterns of extinctions, dispersal in fragmented landscapes, population genetics of fragmented populations and the selection of natural reserve networks. Course programme

Realisation and working methods:
Lectures, seminar, discussion groups, exam
Assessment: 0-5
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519015 Environmental Ethics, 3 cr

A comprehensive advanced introduction to environmental ethics. We will approach this interdisciplinary subject through an overview of its history, a more detailed presentation of the key positions for nature preservation which appear as highlights in that history, criticisms of those positions, and the close reading of touchstone articles central to the field. Includes discussion of the following: philosophical complexities of the concepts of ‘sustainability’ and ‘biodiversity’, philosophical problems in restoration ecology, wilderness preservation and the value of the natural, the concept of intrinsic value, environmental ethics and urban nature, public decision-making procedures and environmental public policy, environmental justice, human well-being and the natural world.
Realisation and working methods: Short written commentary/summary/question-set based on one of the day’s readings due each meeting and sometimes collected for grading, two three-page essays with choice from a number of topics, approximately five to eight page final essay on an instructor-approved topic of your choice.

Assessment: 0-5

Literature:

(1) Environmental Ethics: An Anthology. Andrew Light, Holmes Rolston III (eds.). [Oxford: Blackwell, 2003. (ISBN: 0-631-22294-4)].


(2) Ethics and the Environment: An Introduction. Dale Jamieson [New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008. (ISBN: 978-0-521-68284-8)].
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Urban Environmental Transition, 3-5 cr

Objective and content: The aim of this lecture series is to approach global urban environmental transition from the perspective of four main stages of urbanisation; from pre-industrial to post-industrial cities in 1850-2050. Empirical case studies will present key issues in the urban environment. However, all themes and stages will be discussed in global terms as well because there is a need to observe general principles in local change and, alternatively, to observe local characteristics in global change. In addition to long-term development, contemporary urban environmental policies and future options will also be addressed. Utopia is, after all, an important tool of western rational thinking and cities are the testing grounds for future global lifestyles and environments. The proposed lecture course will be a significant contribution because all previous studies on the environmental history of a single city have focused on cities in the United States.

Realisation and working methods: Lectures, exam (3 cr), assignment and report of the case study (2 cr)
Assessment: 0-5
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OTHER, FREE CHOICE STUDIES

 

Objective of these studies: These courses support basic skills, scientific work as well as preparing students for the work place. They should also support the major subject studies and widen the expertise of the student. Courses that contribute to the MSc Thesis are recommended, and are included in the personal study plan of the studies and must be accepted by the professor. Courses of the following subjects are recommended.