BENP1001 Prerequisite of life on Earth (5 cr)

This course is an introduction to basic studies in biological and environmental science, which deals with key themes of the field mainly from a global perspective. The main topics are a scientific way of thinking, energy flow, atmospheric phenomena, climate and climate change, photosynthesis, biogeochemical cycles and biomes.

After completing this course, the student should be able to

· explain what our current understanding of a prerequisite of life on Earth is basing on.

· describe the most important energy flows and biogeochemical cycles at the global and local levels

· identify and describe features of the most important biomes and differences between them.

· explain the main Earth's atmospheric and climate-related phenomena.

· identify causes and consequences of climate change.

· explain how light energy is converted to chemical energy in photosynthesis and what are different phases of photosynthesis.

· possess main teamwork skills, such as acting as a chairman and secretary.

Course material is distributed in Moodle.