Download Icelandic as a foreign language (ISLFU03) – 6 ECTS

Foreign students in natural resource sciences
in autumn 2007
A proposal january 2007 - – Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, Bjarni Eiríksson
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INTRODUCTION
It is one of the primary aims of this, and all universities to be international. One of the
things it should therefore do is to attrach foreign students and also encourage local studends to
travel abroad. This summer we received an grant from KEA to plan more student exchange at
this university. Four Finish students then receiving a grant from NORDNATUR arrived here
last autumn for a 1,5 month experiment. This has culminated in a plan for a whole semester
next autumn, see below.
The thing is that there seems to be a interrest to study for short periods in Iceland as
well as fundings available, such as NORDNATUR, Erasmus and North to North (this fund is
only available for foreign students to come to Iceland but not vice versa since the Icelandic
government has refused to pay its dues). This is a opportunity we should grab as this is a
source of income for the university, this will increase the numbers of students in classes that
othervise very few students will attent and will increase the international profile of the
university.
It should be ideal to attrach foreign students to Unak to learn about natural resource
sciences since Iceland is internationally renowned in the fields of fisheries and renewable
energy. This is therfore a opportunity for Unak to use unique local resources to expand its
international capabilities. We look at this as the second step in this direction.
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THE COURSES
Some of these course described below will be taught next autumn semester and the teachers
are willing to teach them in english if enough foreign students apply. Some of them will have
to be modified somewhat for this. But some of them are already in english. Below are
proposed changes for each course that needs to be changed
2.1
Marine biology
Has to be changed over to english, estimated extra cost for extra work 75.000 kr. This course
also has to be moved from spring semester to autumn semester, see more on this later.
2.2
Meteorology and oceanography
Has to be changed over to english, estimated extra cost for extra work 75.000 kr
2.3
Biotechnical microbiology
Has to be changed over to english, estimated extra cost for extra work 75.000 kr
2.4
Group project
This course lasts for 2 semesters but foreign students can only take half of it. Probably some
adminstrative work for this but should be minimum. It is also quite possible to extent this
foreign student programme over a whole winter. It would for example be interresting to have
to focus on the spring semester on natural resources on land such as geothermal energy and
interresting ecosystems such as lake Mývatn.
2.5
Seminars in natural resouce sciences
Most lectures are in Icelandic and that has posed a problem. Last year foreign students in this
class took a tour with the UNU-FTP students instead. This programe should also be
interesting for Icelandic students in fisheries sciences, but the numbers of students could be a
problem. Did work well in autumn 2006 and should be arranged so it can be continued. Some
traveling cost, estimated at 100.000 kr.
2.6
Icelandic nature and geology
Already taught in english but has to be revised and the workload increased for foreign
students in sciences. This needs more work and preferrably a person that can work better on
this. This course has great potentials as an attraction for foreign students but has to be
reorganized for students in Natural resource sciences. It is proposed that the course should be
managed by the Faculty of business and sciences as long as the Faculty of education does
accept this.
2.7
Planed courses in natural resource sciences
These need an cost/benefit analysis and will be worked on this semester
2.8
Other courses
These are already in english so there is no extra cost
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COST/BENEFIT
For each student we receive 31.600 kr per credit. A student that stays for a whole semester
receives 15 credits and we get 450.000 kr. An estimated number of 5 foreign students
therefore gives 2.250.000 kr. I suggest that it is fair that a part of this could go into paying a
person (newly graduated student) within the department for various liasions regarding the
foreign students in cooperation with the International office. This person could be made
responsible for the INJFU03 course and funding that is already provided for this could
perhaps cover the cost. Lets say for 3 months work for a total amount of about 750.000 kr. In
addition to this cost there is about 250.000 kr for travel and translation on 2 courses (see
above)
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR MARINE BIOLOGY
The problem is that it suits the Finish students best to be here next autumn semester. But as
they are primarily interrested in learning about the Icelandic marine environment they could
not take marine biology as on the plan it is only offered on the spring semester. The problem
is therefore to move this course from spring to autumn semester. This only applies for about 5
students now on first year in fisheries sciences as the class is not mandatory for others (but it
is a popular elective). The courses next semester they take are: (1) macroeconomics, (2)
aquaculture, (3) physics, (4) Oceanography and (5) group project.
We find 2 possibilities here, either move aquaculture from autumn semester to spring
semester in exchange for marine biology or to have these 5 students take macroeconomics in
autumn semester 2008 (tha last year) instead of fisheries biology which will them move to
spring semester 2008 and marine biology to autumn semester 2007. We recoment the former
and this should not bring any extra cost.
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THE PROPOSAL
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That the plan below for courses offered in english next autumn semester will be
accepted with antipicated extra cost for the department of about 250.000 kr.
Hopefully the university has some extra fundings available for foreign students.
That we aim to hire a newly graduated student to assist in teaching and
assimilating the foreign students in natural resource sciences with the Icelandic
ones and further develop this programme at a cost of about 750.000 kr. Here
again we hope that the university has some extra fundings available for foreign
students or funding already for the INFJU03 course could be used.
That students now on the 1st year in fisheries sciences will take marine biology
(SJL1103) next autumn (2007) and fish farming (FIE1103) will be moved to
spring semester instead.
That the text below (Courses offered in english autumn 2007) will be accepted
and sent to prospective students.
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Course offered in english autumn 2007
University of Akureyri - Iceland
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CURRENT COURSES IN NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
Marine biology (SJL1103) – 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: Desirable precursors are Biology, and Oceanography and Meteorology.
Description: A short introduction to the history and status of marine biology. A more detailed
survey of the organisms of the sea, microbes, algae, invertebrates, fish and
tetrapods. The major ecosystems of the sea will be discussed, the seashore,
estuaries, the continental shelf, coral reefs, the pelagic zone and the ocean depths.
The last part of the course deals with the utilizable resources of the sea, the impact
of humans on the marine environment and the influence of the ocean on humanity.
The emphasis will be on Icelandic waters.
Learning On completion of this course, learners will be able to:
outcome: - Recognize and classify the commoner marine organism groups in northern North
Atlantic waters
- Explain what are the main types of marine ecosystems at global and local scales
- Illustrate examples of flow of energy and materials in marine ecosystem
- Construct examples of marine foodwebs
- Use basic scientific marine sampling gear and analyse, synthesise and interpret the
data collected.
- Discuss efficiently the effects harvesting or other utilization has on the marine
environment
Assessment: Reports on laboratory assignments 25%, written examination 75%
Meteorology and oceanography (HVF1103) – 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: Mathemathics are recommended
Description: Basic principles of meteorology and oceanography will be covered. Physical and
chemical properties of the atmosphere and seawater. The earths energy and water
budgets. Seasonal variations. Water in the atmosphere. Dew, fog and clouds. The
stability of the atmosphere. Air pressure. Winds. The distribution of land and ocean.
The topography of the ocean floor. The exchange between atmosphere and ocean.
Sea ice. Climatology and the current system in the ocean. The effect of the earth’s
rotation on winds and currents. The influence of winds on currents. Nutrients in the
ocean and their distribution. The ocean as an environment for life. Climate change
and its effects on terrestrial and ocean ecosystems. Sources and distribution of
pollutants. The climatology of Iceland and conditions and variability in the ocean
around will be covered specifically.
Learning The students get to know the basic principles of meteorology and oceanography.
outcome: They learn about climate in Iceland and conditions in the ocean around Iceland and
will discover how oceanographic measurements are performed at sea.
Assessment: Written examination 75%, assignments and report on a sea study trip 25%.
Biotechnical microbiology (LÍÖ1103) – 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: Biology (LFR1103) and Microbiology (ÖRV1103) recommended
Description: Microbiological diversity and biochemical pathways. Microbes as chemical factories.
Production of proteins, vaccines, heribicides, enzymes, amino acids, vitamines and
saccharides from microbes. Plant biotechnology. Energy biotechnology (biomass,
ethanol, methane, hydrogen). Environmental biotechnology (degradation of organic
waste and of xenobiotics in nature). Genetic engineering - methodology. Site
directed mutagenesis. Screening of bioactive compounds. Fermentation techniqe
and biomass upscaling. Students will read and present recent biotechnological
article. Practical experiments are directed towards thremophilic anaerobic
fermentative bacteria and hdyrogen oxidizing bacteria.
Learning To give the students a broad understanding in the possibilities lying behind the
outcome: various products we can use from which bacteria produces. The production of
proteins, vaccines, herbicides, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and carbohydrates.
Different fields of biotechnology will be assessed, i.e. plant-, energy- and
environmental biotechnology. The relation between molecular genetics and
microbiology will be introduces.
Assessment: Written examination, 70%. Reports from practical assignments and presentation of
a selected scientific article 30%.
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Practical computer skills (HTN3103) – 6 ECTS
Prerequisites:
Assumes general knowledge of how to start a computer and prior experience with
standard operating systems and use of common software packages.
Description: This module will give the students a basic knowledge of the personal computer (PC)
and its operating system. The module will train the students to understand how
computers connect to external devices and the different forms of connectivity
between computers and external devices such as printers, research equipment, etc.
It will also provide the students with a basic understanding of the internet and the
protocols used to communicate between computers and will introduce them to
security issues involved. The students will then be introduced to programming
through the design and use of Excel spreadsheets.
Learning The aim of this module is to turn students who have successfully completed it into
outcome: ’power users’, capable of utilizing computers and software efficiently and effectively.
The module will give them the necessary tools and but they will sharpen their
computer skills by using this knowledge in other modules in their individual
programnes of study.
Assessment: Assessment is through assignments in each of the four key sections of the module
Group project I (HTN3103) – 6 ECTS
Description: Students work in small groups (4, 5 or 6 students in a group) on a practical problem
or issue specified by the group project supervisor.
Learning The primary aim of this module, together with the subsequent module, Group Project
outcome: II, is for students to learn about, and to experience, working in groups and teams.
Students will learn about the division of work, its management, control and quality. A
secondary aim is for students to exercise their technical and English skills.
Assessment: To obtain an overall passing grade, students must obtain a passing grade in each
project deliverable (e.g. project description, design document, work plan) and on an
individual project report.
Seminars in natural resource sciences (MAU1103) – 6 ECTS
Description: Several lecturers will introduce research topics in the field of natural resource sciences,
including those involving fisheries and aquaculture, biotechnology, environmental and
energy resources. The seminar will give learners an insight into exciting new
developments in the field of natural research sciences, both in Iceland and abroad and
hopefully give students ideas for interesting research topics for their final B.Sc. thesis
work. Learners will write short reports on selected seminar topics and have a short
lecture themselves on a topic they select themselves related to the seminars.
Learning On completion of this course, learners will be able to:
outcome: - Demonstrate his ability to write a short, understandable report that summarizes
selected topics covered in a seminar.
- Make public oral presentations on the findings of a selected research within the field
of Natural Resource Sciences.
- Organize a seminar with an outside lecturer.
Assessment: Reports, a major essay and an oral presentation on a topic relating to the lecture
series.
Icelandic nature and geology (INJFU03) – 6 ECTS
The main emphasis of this course is to give students insight into the interplay between
nature and human habitation in Iceland. The course is comprised of three components.
The first emphasizes geology and geomorphology, second on flora and fauna and the
third focuses upon oceanography and marine biology. Students should be prepared for
many field trips.
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PLANED COURSES IN NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
Research diving – 6 ECTS, Intensive marine sampling course with Turku – 6
ECTS
More will be anounced later
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OTHER COURSES
Icelandic as a foreign language (ISLFU03) – 6 ECTS – Fac. of education
The principal aim of this course is to give the student a comprehensive insight into the
Icelandic language, its uniqueness, and its characteristics. Emphasis will be placed on
understanding the written and spoken language by means of conversations and simple
texts. The course will, among other things, involve strolls around the city where names
of streets and local traits will be discussed and their meaning analyzed. Those field
trips give the students a chance to become acquainted with the town, practicing and
improving their Icelandic at the same time. In general, emphasis will be placed on
day-to-day usage of the language, such as communication in shops, the reading of
newspapers, advertisements, and such. Some basic grammar will be covered. Last but
not least, students will be encouraged to ask for guidance regarding language barriers
they experience in daily utilization of the Icelandic language.
International business skills (FJM2103) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of business
Description: The course involves the reading and discussion of materials dealing with a variety of
business topics and business skills, e.g. presentations, negotiations and meetings.
Some considerations of the importance of cultural variations, esp. in business
situations, e.g. with special reference to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and some
other authorities in the field of intercultural communication. Practical tasks: WebCT
assignments, presentations, essay on a business/culture-related topic.
To combine practice in English communication skills with theoretical content which
trains the students in reading and interpreting academic texts as well as preparing
them for further study and work at international level.
Learning To combine practice in English communication skills with theoretical content which
outcome: trains the students in reading and interpreting academic texts as well as preparing
them for further study and work at international level.
Assessment: Written examination and assignments
Chinese I.A (KÍN0173) – 6 ECTS This is a new course and as yet there is no english description on it but is on basic
Chinese for beginners. All of the teaching is in english. Adventurous foreign students in
Iceland could take one course in Icelandic and one course in Chinese, two of the major
world languages.
Economic analysis (HAG0173) – 6 ECTS – Fac. of law and social sci.
Description: This course deals with topics in both micro- and macroeconomics. In microeconomics
emphasis is placed on analysis and applications related to the price system,
competitive and monopolistic market structures, the labour market and unions, and
issues of poverty and income distribution. In macroeconomics the focus is on the
analysis and discussion of national economic performance, inflation, unemployment,
economic growth, national debt, fiscal and monetary policy, the European Union,
globalization, and selected issues in economic development. Applications are made to
the Icelandic economy and to other economies. Students also carry out a project that
involves the practical application of the tools studied in the course.
Learning Students improve their ability to discuss and analyse articles on both historical and
outcome: current topics, and to analyse economic statistics.
Assessment: Continuous Evaluation
The fourth estate (VLD0173) – 6 ECTS – Fac. of law and social sci.
Description: This course, together with the course entitled "The Fourth Estate II", examines and
analyses the history of the press, starting with the first printed newspaper in the
early 17th century and continuing up to the mass media of today. The course
discusses the development and significance of the freedom of the press, the changing
role of the journalist in society, and ownership and control of the media. The
importance of a free and responsible press for democracy is examined specially,
using historical examples for illustration, such as the manipulation of the press in
Nazi Germany. Students are required to write in a scholarly fashion about these
issues.
Learning Students gain an understanding of the nature and role of the Fourth Estate by
outcome: examining its historical roots.
Assessment: Continuous evaluation
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Deconstructing the 20th century (AFB0173) – 6 ECTS – Fac. of law and social sci.
Description: This course examines (a) key events in the history of the 20th century, with special
reference to Western Europe and North America; (b) the fundamental economic,
social, and political theories that influenced these events; (c) the main economic
trends of the century; (d) specific individuals and groups that played an important
roles; (e) fundamental issues of value implied by the events studied; and (f) imagemaking and its influence. Readings and films serve to highlight significant moments
in, and relevant features of, the history of the 20th century. They are intended to
show the complexity of the events considered as well as the universal lessons that
can be derived from such events.
Learning Students should (1) acquire a solid background in the history of the 20th century; (2)
outcome: be familiar with key works by some of the most influential thinkers of the late modern
age; and (3) understand the political and rhetorical processes which controlled events
in the 20th century.
Assessment: Continuous Evaluation
Internet and the World wide web (WWW0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: None
Description: This introductory module studies the technologies of the Internet, World Wide Web,
and Web presentation. We shall learn the underlying concepts of networking over
both the Internet and local area networks, and the ideas of Web presentation and
programming from a global environment perspective. Topics broadly include
TCP/IP, LAN, ADSL, WWW, XHTML (the new HTML), Web browsers, client-server
architecture, Internet security, cascading style sheet, forms, JavaScript, dynamic
HTML, and XML. By the end of the course, you would have learned the basics in
creating your own Web identity in this cyber-world of opportunities.
Learning To prepare you to participate in the potential of the Web as a user/developer so you
outcome: can feel at home in the cyberspace and create your own unique presence in it.
Assessment: Your final grade will consist of 30% homework, 70% final exam.
Programming I (FOR0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: None
Description: A practical introduction to programming using Java. Basic program structure, byte
code, input and output, data types, loops, selection, arrays.
Learning Students will become familiar with the fundamental syntax and semantics of Java,
outcome: with special focus on data types, control structures, loops, arrays.
Assessment: Written examination, coursework.
Machines and their languages (VML0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: STÆ0283 Discrete mathematics II
Description: This module addresses the fundamental theoretical ideas that underlie computing
machines. The module is divided into three main sections. The first section
considers the nature of formal languages, finite automata, and regular languages.
The second section then goes on the consider push-down automata and context
free languages. Finally the module describes Turing machines and the languages
accepted by Turing machines. By showing how Turing machines can be encoded the
module introduces the idea of a Universal Turing machine which can be used to
“execute” other encoded Turing machines.
Learning This module presents the fundamental ideas of computation that underlie modern
outcome: computing. At a purely theoretical level the aim of the module is to show how quite
simple ideas can result in such powerful machines. More practically the descriptions
of various types of language show how lexical analysis can be performed in
interpreters and compilers.
Assessment: Three hour unseen written examination.
Networks and communication (NET0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: Internet and WWW, Programming I, Programming II
Description: This module provides a basic introduction to computer communication networks. It
provides an overview of underlying technologies including Data Transmission
Techniques, Protocols, Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, internet working
and network applications. Particular attention is paid to the Internet environment
and the TCP/IP protocols.
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Learning To teach students about the theory and practice of computer communications.
outcome:
Assessment: Written examination 80%, coursework. 20%
Human computer interactions (HCI0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: None
Description: This module begins by looking at the capablilites of the human being and the
computer and goes on to examine how computer interfaces can be designed for
efficiency and ease of use by dividing tasks effectively between the human and the
machine. It provides a comprehensive toolset for the design and evaluation of
interfaces using ergonomics and usability engineering methods.
Learning To introduce students to techniques for the design of effective and efficient interfaces
outcome: and how to evaluate them objectively.
Assessment: Written examination, coursework
Database systems (GGR0183) – 6 ECTS – Dept. of computer sci.
Prerequisites: Programming II
Description: The module describes the key points which characterise the database approach.
The module then studies data modelling in some detail and introduces typical data
models. In particular the relational database model and SQL are covered together
with the process of normalisation for database design. Other issues covered include
database administration, database integrity and security matters.
Learning To teach students about the design, use and control of large-scale data stores.
outcome:
Assessment: Written examination and coursework
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OTHER POSSIBILITIES
It is possible to register in other courses such as biology, mathemathics, microbiology,
statistics and chemistry as the textbooks are in english, although all lectures are in Icelandic.
Laboratory hours and the exam will be offered in english if more than 4 foreign students
apply for this. If enought foreign students apply for other courses in our curriculum we will
have a serious thought about teaching it in english. Have a look at the entire curriculum at this
web-site http://www.unak.is/template1.asp?PageID=12. Write to [email protected] for
further enquieries.
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