Course code VidZB003
Credit points 2
Ecology and Environmental Protection
Total Hours in Course40
Number of hours for lectures14
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes8
Number of hours for laboratory classes0
Independent study hours32
Date of course confirmation30.01.2024
Responsible UnitInstutute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering
Course developer
Linda Grinberga
Ph.D.
Replaced course
VidZ3046 [GVID3046] Ecology and Environmental Protection
Course abstract
The study course gives an insight in topics related to involvement of society into Environmental protection. Course focuses on environmental protection issues as well as emissions and purification methods of environmental pollution. The study course deals with the sustainable use of natural resources and specially protected nature territories of Latvia.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
The course develops knowledge and understanding of the conceptual foundation of environmental science, describe solutions for most important environmental problems, gives students insight to the theoretical and practical issues of Environmental Protection. 2. The course enables students with an ability of critical thinking to discern facts and will help them to analyse environmental issues relevant with the scope of course works, projects and graduation works in their field of studies. 3. The course elaborates competence to use the basic ecological principles that govern the solving of environmental problems, that students can then bring to elaborate their projects and research approaches on relevant issues of their field of studies. Type of assessment - final test with on the topics of lectures and practical works.
Course Content(Calendar)
1. Environment as a study subject. History of Environmental protection. Environmental issues and their characteristics. (1 hour)
2. Society and environment. Natural resources, their classification. (2 hours)
3. 1. Practical work: Specially protected nature territories. (1 hour)
4. Genetically modified organisms. Energy resources Alternative energoresources. (2 hours)
5. 2. Practical work: Nature and biosphere reserves. (1 hour)
6. Environment and agriculture. Agricultural impact on the environment. (2 hours)
7. 3. Practical work: National Parks. (1 hour)
8. Environmental pollution. Pollution classification and characterization. Environmental quality and human health. (2 hours)
9. 4. Practical work: Nature parks, nature reserves, nature monuments, protected landscape areas. (1 hour)
10. Water pollution. Wastewater treatment. Water protection. (2 hours)
11. 5. Practical work: Protective zones. Protection of the environment and natural resources protection zones. (1 hour)
12. Air pollution. Pollution types and emission. Reduction of air pollution. (2 hours)
13. 6. Practical work: Operating, safety and sanitary protection zones. (1 hour)
14. Solid waste. Waste disposal problems. Waste management. (2 hours)
15. Environment and economy. Environmental condition as a commodity, ecosystem services. Environmental policy in Latvia. (1 hour)
16. The essence of sustainable development. Ecology of production. Good Agricultural Practice. (2 hours)
Requirements for awarding credit points
Successfully completed practical works and final test.
Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work
Students regularly and independently prepare for practical works using the materials indicated by the lecturer. Students, after listening to the lectures, independently study the topics mentioned in the course content in order to prepare for the final test.
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
Practical works are organized in a test-type, giving 1 point for every correct answer. Students can earn 10 points for each practical work. Only after passing all the practical works student will get the opportunity to write a final test.
The test work is organized in the form of a test, offering 3 to 5 possible answers for each of the questions, only 1 answer to each question is correct. In order to get a successful grade in the assessment, students have to specify at least 70% of the correct answers.
Compulsory reading
1. M. Kļaviņš (red.). Vides zinātne. LU akadēmiskais apgāds. 2008., 599. lpp.
2. M. Kļaviņš un J.Zaļoksnis (red.). Vides un ilgtspējīga attīstība. LU akadēmiskais apgāds. 2010., 334. lpp.
3. J.Švarcbahs, R.Sudārs, V.Jansons, A.Zīverts, U.Kļaviņš, Ē.Dreimanis, P.Bušmanis. Ekoloģija un vides aizsardzība. Mācību līdzeklis.- Jelgava. LLU, 2006., 225 lpp.
4. L.Ryden, P.Migula & M.Anderson. Environmental science. The Baltic University Press. Uppsala, Sweden. 2003., 824. p.
Further reading
1. G.Tyler Miller. Living in the Environment. 12th edition. Thomson learning. USA. 2002., P 758. .
2. P.H.Raven, L.R.Berg. Environment. Harcourt College Publishers. USA. 2001., P. 612.
Periodicals and other sources
1. Vides politikas pamatnostādnes 2014.-2020. gadam. [tiešsaiste] Skatīts 17.11.2020. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/265262-par-vides-politikas-pamatnostadnem-2014-2020-gadam
2. LR likums “Vides aizsardzības likums”, spēkā no 29.11.2006. ar aktuālajiem grozījumiem. [tiešsaiste] Skatīts 17.11.2020. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=147917
3. LR likums “Par īpaši aizsargājamām dabas teritorijām”, spēkā no 07.04.1993. ar aktuālajiem grozījumiem. [tiešsaiste] Skatīts 17.11.2020. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=59994
Notes
Compulsory course of the study programme Veterinary medicine