University of Copenhagen

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of processes in terrestrial ecosystems, and of effects of global change on processes and organisms. The focus is on carbon, water, and nutrient cycling between plants, soil organisms, soil, and atmosphere. This includes lessons in radiation and energy balance, photosynthesis, respiration, water use efficiency, and measures of stress, at leaf, plant, and canopy level. Belowground processes as plant nutrient uptake and microbial turnover, mobilization and immobilization of nutrients, plant-microbe-animal interactions, plant-soil-atmosphere interactions, rhizosphere processes and mycorrhizal function are also addressed, with focus on the importance of climate and anthropogenically induced climatic changes. Species/community effects on ecosystem processes and temporal dynamics are also addressed. Field and laboratory studies are performed and the results are presented orally and in reports. Participants present one or two journal papers with relation to the subjects taught in the lectures, including effects of global change on ecosystems.

This course provides an overview of mobile, ubiquitous, and wearable computing interfaces; including commercial devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, augmented reality glasses, smart speakers, and other home devices; as well as research interfaces such as public displays, smart jewelry, or body-based user interfaces. The course sheds light on two fundamental aspects of mobile computing: the technological foundations of mobile computing interfaces and the user interface requirements for such novel computing interfaces. It contains advanced material on both technological foundations and interaction styles on mobile interfaces.

This course introduces mindfulness as a psychological construct, presenting and discussing ways to understand and describe the concept. It presents theoretical perspectives that seek to illuminate the origin, development, potential, and limitations of mindfulness. The course examines clinical and cognitive empirical studies that demonstrate various operationalizations and effects of mindfulness interventions. It also contains a smaller practical part where select mindfulness exercises are exemplified to provide a practice-based understanding of the concept of mindfulness. Assessment is based on an individual or group written assignment of 12-18 pages. 

This course studies environmental ethics, with a focus on reasoned arguments regarding our handling of, dealing with, and behavior towards nature and the environment. It introduces concrete analysis tools emerging from classical ethical theories and environmental philosophy; anthropocentrism and the various alternatives; and the notions of nature and the natural, risk, equality and justice, value pluralism, and the different needs for relating through nature in physical, aesthetical, and existential ways. The course utilizes environmental ethical issues of contemporary concern as case studies, in the context of both Euro-American and developing countries, in order to uncover, understand, and structure relevant knowledge and ethical issues to address professional challenges related to environments and society. Case study topics include climate change, animal production, biodiversity conservation, sustainability and human well-being, wildlife management, genetically modified crops, and ecological restoration. This course consists of an integrated mix of lectures, exercises, and discussions, including quizzes, votes, panel debates, student presentations, guest lecturers, and films. Through exercises, discussions, and assignment work, it explores various approaches to identifying, assessing, and approaching ethical dilemmas in relation to environmental decision-making.

This course is an introduction to the history, aesthetics, function, and importance to society of digital media. Topics include digital citizenship and social innovation; cyborg theory and the body in social media; digital film and computer games; remix and mashup; and blogs and fan communities. Students participate in exercises, quizzes, and online discussions. Students are evaluated by a written assignment, which can be written in a group.