Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the students will:

· be able to describe how a broad range of human activities affects coastal environments

· be aware of major environmental problems affecting marine and coastal environments and the responsible sector regulators

· know the difference between top-down and bottom-up processes in management of marine and coastal environments

· be able to discuss how ecosystem services should be holistically integrated into management of marine and coastal environments

· have acquired knowledge about the different regulators, their sector laws and their placement in the hierarchy of marine and coastal management

· have developed an understanding of the history and complexity of management of marine and coastal environments nationally and internationally

Contents

The course gives insight into the complexity of marine and coastal management nationally, regionally, and internationally/ globally, as well as in areas beyond national jurisdiction (e.g., conservation of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction). It provides an overview of the most important sector regulators, their legislative tools and governance. Topics covered include fisheries- and aquaculture management, nature conservation and restoration, marine protected areas, land-sea interactions, ecosystem services, climate change and sea level rise, sustainability of marine resource extraction including emerging industries, ecosystems and biodiversity, human population growth and -migration issues. The course examines the impact of human activities on coastal and marine environments and discusses the influence of international frameworks aiming at curbing negative trends and restoring degraded ecosystems (e.g., UNs sustainable development goal no. 14 Life below water, The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework).

Teaching and learning methods

Instruction is provided in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and fieldwork exercises including student presentations. Estimated workload for the average student is 135 hours.

Examination requirements

Compulsory attendance to all exercises including approval of reports and an oral presentation of a given topic. More information about obligatory components is given in Canvas by the start of the course.

Examinations

The course assessment will be based on a written report on a given topic (40%) and a written 3 hours exam (60%). Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The course runs over 6 weeks and will have an end of course evaluation.

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Same admission requirements as to the master's program Coastal Ecology.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
BIO410 – Coastal Ecology and Global Change in the Antropocene. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:16:59 AM