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Course syllabus - Biosphere Integrity

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

MTK111

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1N (First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Environmental Engineering

Organisation

Department of Engineering Sciences

Ratified

2025-12-18

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The objective of this course is to build a basic knowledge of chemistry, biology and hydrology in the context of biosphere integrity, as defined by the planetary boundary, comparing the status of the biosphere during the Holocene period with its current status.

Learning outcomes

  1. Define the hydrological cycle and explain changes in the cycle and their effects on Earth’s biosphere.
  2. Describe the characteristics of the Holocene, with emphasis on biospheric processed, including major biological and chemical cycles.
  3. Describe the basic principles of ecology, and how these principals contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
  4. Identify the major biogeochemical cycles within the hydrological system.
  5. Define the role of biosphere in regulating biogeochemical cycles, including trophic dynamics and interactions within aquatic systems.
  6. Describe the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems, including direct (overfishing) and indirect (nutrient pollution) influences on biosphere integrity.

Course content

This course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the biological and physicochemical foundations of Earth’s biosphere. Students will explore core biological concepts such as natural selection, genetics, and ecosystem structure and function, alongside an introduction to microbiology, aquatic biology, and ecology. The course also focuses on the energy and material flows that sustain biosphere integrity. These processes are examined through principles of physics, thermodynamics, and chemistry, including acid–base reactions, equilibrium dynamics, vapor–liquid equilibrium, and the behavior of pure versus mixed fluids. The course also includes the hydrological cycle as a key driver of energy transfer and biogeochemical processes, linking physical, chemical, and biological systems across the biosphere.

Requirements

Basic eligibility and Physics 2, Chemistry 1, Mathematics 3c or Mathematics D Or: Physics level 2, Chemistry level 1, Mathematics - Further level 1c

Examination

HEM1, Take-home examination, 4,5 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 1-6.

INL1, Assignment, 3 credits, grade: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F). Learning outcome: 1-6.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

AF-skala