University of Oslo

This course gives an introduction to the theory of systems of ordinary differential equations. This includes topics such as existence and uniqueness of solutions, linearization and stability theory, phase space techniques, bifurcation theory and Hamiltonian systems. Emphasis is put on using dynamical systems as a modeling tool in different areas of science, technology, medicine, economy. Students perform numerical studies of complex systems.

This is a broadly based course focusing on musical experiences in different contexts, containing elements of music perception, music and emotions, music and motion, as well as music in different social contexts. The course gives an overview of relevant research within these fields.

One of the hallmarks of being human is that we can suffer as well as flourish. Focusing on positive psychology and clinical psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy, this course offers a sustained investigation of the conceptual and philosophical problems at the heart of the study of human well-being and human ill-being. Central topics include the nature of happiness and well-being; the nature and classification/diagnosis of mental disorder; the relation between mental health and mental illness (is happiness more than the mere absence of suffering?); differing perspectives on mental disorder (neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, existentialism, phenomenology); the implicit philosophical assumptions behind major psychotherapeutic traditions, especially concerning the good life. One guiding assumption of the course is that studying well-being and ill-being side by side can be mutually illuminating. By the end of the semester, students are equipped to interpret psychological theories and therapeutic practices through a philosophical lens, as well as consider how conceptions of the good life both inform and are informed by the science and practice of psychology.

This course gives an introduction to analytical techniques for partial differential equations, in particular to separation of variables. In addition the course treats qualitative properties of solutions, such as maximum principles and energy estimates. The course also gives a basic introduction to difference methods and their stability analysis.

The course provides an in-depth study of the regulation of the energy sector from an international, European, and Norwegian perspective. Energy law covers the regulation of and access to energy resources, energy markets - both physical and financial - and the regulation of energy use. For the purpose of this course, energy law is understood in the broad sense of the term, and both oil, gas and electricity are covered. The four stages of production, transport, supply and consumption are included, with a focus on upstream and midstream activities. The course is structured in four parts. Part I provides an introduction to the general legal concepts and principles applicable to energy activities, such as: sovereignty over natural resources, jurisdiction delimitation, ownership and exploitation models, and resources management mechanisms. Part II reviews the key components of the Norwegian model for the regulation of upstream oil and gas activities, including the licensing system, the Joint Operation Agreement, the coordination of petroleum activities at field level through unitisation and joint development, the regime for upstream gas transportation and third party access. It also covers the environmental regulation of petroleum activities. Part III is dedicated to the regulation of electricity generation (hydropower and other sources, onshore and offshore) and transmission/distribution in Norway as well as connection to the European market. This parts includes a review of the applicable European Union (EU) energy market legislation and its implementation in Norway through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. Part IV deals with energy trading, both upstream gas sales and wholesale electricity trading, with a review of relevant EU/EEA competition rules, internal energy market legislation and commercial practices in Norway and on the Nordic power market. Supply and energy consumption aspects are covered to a more limited extent.

Ancient Greek and Roman literature (covering a period from approximately 800 BCE to 500 CE) is in many ways the basis of our own culture and our own way of thinking; numerous literary texts produced in classical antiquity have been highly influential on the literature of later periods and remain so to this day. This course provides an overview of the literary history of the classical world and presents, in its main part, an introduction to the most important works of Greek and Roman literature. All texts are read in translation.