Here below you can find all master courses the University Centre offers. All courses are taught in 1-3 week modules running from August through June. See how the courses are organised in the teaching schedule for both programs. Usually 2-3 courses are taught at the same time, but students may only enroll in one course at a time.
The master courses are available to you whether you plan to pursue a degree or just take a course or courses. Please review the options for guest studies to determine how you can apply.
For further information, contact the Administrative Director of Education and Teaching.
Pollution in the Coastal Arctic
- Summer 2027
About the course
The course introduces students to chemistry related to contamination in the coastal zone and seas. Chemical interactions in the interface of the sea, land, biota and air are explained along with the transport of pollutants. The state of the coastal zones in the world are discussed, as well as regional, national and international monitoring practices and programmes. Designing monitoring programmes and pollution studies are also presented and discussed. The course provides insight into our own lifestyle and the effects we have on the environment. It mostly focuses on environmental fate and effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals on living organisms, but emerging contaminants and their impact and occurrence in the Arctic are also discussed. A brief introduction to environmental chemistry, study design and ecotoxicology is also part of the course.
Learning outcome
On completion of the course a student:
- has a broad overview of the main environmental hazards in coastal zones, both natural and manmade.
- can recognize major pollutants and understand their source, transport and effects on the ecosystem.
- has a general understanding of the main methods for detecting environmental hazards and means of monitoring.
- understands how natural processes and human activities can affect the coastal environment.
- has the basic know-how to design monitoring programs and assess results.
- has familiarity with the variety of coastal issues which are important in different parts of the world and international efforts and conventions relating to coastal water quality management.