The course includes lectures which aim to give a solid theoretical knowledge of the carbon cycle, vegetation dynamics, greenhouse gases and related environmental issues. The assimilation of carbon into ecosystems via photosynthesis is covered as well as carbon emissions from ecosystems via respiration and decomposition and the production of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, laughing gas and other volatile organic carbon compounds). We will also discuss the ways in which these processes are influenced by changes in vegetation and climate, primarily in northern ecosystems.

The course includes several practical elements such as field-based, computer-based and laboratory-based exercises and a more extensive field-project. These elements aim to give theoretical and practical insight into the methods used in this subject area.