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Foreign students in natural resource sciences in autumn 2007 A proposal january 2007 - – Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, Bjarni Eiríksson 1 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. 2 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 3 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) 4 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. 5 THE PROPOSAL 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. D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 2 Course offered in english autumn 2007 University of Akureyri - Iceland 6 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%. D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 3 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. 7 PLANED COURSES IN NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES Research diving – 6 ECTS, Intensive marine sampling course with Turku – 6 ECTS More will be anounced later D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 4 8 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 D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 5 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. D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 6 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 9 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. D:\582702296.doc 27.2.2007 22:30:00 7