Lund University

The course provides an introduction to the phenomenon of globalization from archaeological and historical perspectives. Topics covered include conditions and driving forces for the globalizing processes, the exchange patterns of the “pre-European” world, the European expansion from the 15th century, cultural encounters and hybridity, merchant capitalism and the East India trade, slavery and plantations, and the life of the non-articulate groups of humanity. Special emphasis is on ecological globalization and the threat to the global heritage caused by climate change.

The course consists of three modules, two theoretical parts (written examination and individual project) of 7.5 credits together, and a practical part of 7.5 credits (field exercises, laboratory sessions, species knowledge exam). The first part of the course includes the physical and chemical properties of water, species in the different organism groups and relationships in and between populations and their environment. Effects of human impact on aquatic ecosystems are discussed. During the second part of the course field trips to different aquatic habitats typical for southern Sweden are conducted, where the relationships between abiotic conditions and the adaptations of organisms are studied. Samples for analysis of water chemistry, microorganisms as well as plant and animal communities are collected and analyzed in the laboratory. During the practical work (carried out in project groups) the students acquire experience of the most important field and laboratory methods and knowledge of the characteristics of different aquatic environments. During the final the part of the course the students carry out an individual project. The assignment is to define a subject, search for scientific literature, write a report, give an oral presentation and receive and give feedback to fellow students.

3D graphics is concerned with how images can be generated from abstract descriptions of objects. Representations of three-dimensional geometry should be projected to a two-dimensional plane and by simulating the interaction between light and matter the object surfaces can be realistically shaded. With moving images, it is also necessary to control how objects move and change appearance over time. And when building interactive virtual worlds, objects must also be able to respond to external events.

The course highlights adolescent health, family planning, pregnancy and childbirth, abortion, sexual identity, sexual coercion and violence, and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Perspectives of gender, poverty, sustainability and rights serve as general themes. The topics discussed include evidence-based strategies and interventions related to each theme. The course covers socio-cultural differences through discussions of global challenges such as cervical cancer, female genital mutilation, trafficking and sexual violence in relation to existing theories and current research results. Reflections and discussions of ethical issues and approaches in relation to abortion, genital mutilation, sexual identities and violence take place through participation in different values exercises. The development of international programs and policies, and the discourse used within them, are highlighted. Global as well as regional/local policy documents on sustainability and rights perspectives are studied and discussed.

This course provides a method for solving physical problems that are described by partial differential equations. The course project gives students an experience and theoretical understanding in solving comprehensive physical problems using the finite element method.  The course content includes: strong and weak formulation of differential equations; approximating functions; Galerkin’s method; finite element formulation of heat conduction; finite element formulation of deformable bodies; finite element formulation of bending; and isoparametric elements and numerical integration.

This course offers a specialization within European or, more narrowly focused, Scandinavian film cultures. Issues that can be studied include genres, industry and expressions of artistic movements – as well as the creative persons involved. During the course, students are invited to explore a topic of their own interest, within the course framework, to be examined with an independent essay.

The course is interdisciplinary and reviews the impact of media on the political rhetoric of politicians, moulders of public opinion, and potentates. The main focus is placed on the impact of new communication technologies such as writing, print, and broadcasting on rhetoric and the manifestation of power.