University of Oulu Summer Program
Northern Nature and Environment
SUMMER SNAPSHOT
Arranged by the University of Oulu Faculty of Science, this unique program provides a solid introduction to the ecosystems and the fauna, flora, and vegetation of Finland and northern Scandinavia. Through lectures, courses, and seminars held in Oulu and field courses arranged at the university’s research station in northern Finland, students explore the country’s natural and cultural beauty while learning about biodiversity and genetic adaptation in the North.
Oulu, Finland
Language of Instruction: English
PROGRAM TYPE
ISEP-Exchange Summer for all US and I-to-I exchange member students 
COURSES
FIELD COURSE IN AQUATIC ANIMALS
• 4 ECTS (usually equivalent to 2 US credits)
• Content: This course is carried out in Oulu and the Oulanka Research Station (Kuusamo). It involves an introduction to basic ecology and identification of fish and invertebrates that live in different kinds of inland waters, basic methodology of sampling and analysis, and compilation of results into tables and diagrams. At the end of the course, an identification exam is given on animal species encountered in the field.
FIELD COURSE IN ECOLOGICAL BOTANY
• 5-6 ECTS (usually equivalent to 3 US credit)
• Content: This course involves vegetation types of forests and peatlands, succession of uplift shore, laboratory works, and identification of about 450 plant species. The course is held in two parts in Oulu and on the Hailuoto Island, and in the Oulanka Research Station in Kuusamo. Prerequisite: Students are advised to arrive earlier (at the end of May) and independently study the needed plant species (752303A Identification of Plant Species 2-3.5 ECTS: usually equivalent to 1-2 US credits) from the herbarium samples with the help of a handout and take the identification exam before the botany field course starts. Studying can also be done between the different field courses (middle – end of June). The handout is sent to students after the department has accepted them to the field course.
FIELD COURSE IN TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS
• 4 ECTS (usually equivalent to 2 US credits)
• Content: In this course, the fauna in different kinds of terrestrial habitats are studied using several ecological sampling and research methods in the Oulanka Research Station. The projects are done partly in the field and partly in the laboratory.
NEW OPTIONAL PROJECT COURSE:
RESEARCH TRAINING (750613S)
2-14 ECTS (usually equvalent to 1-8 US credits) It is also possible to participate in biology research projects during the summer or between the summer courses. Research topics include: the adaptation of plant and animal species to the northern conditions; sub arctic plants in changing environment; soil as an ecosystem; seasonal adaptation; life history strategies and population dynamics in northern populations of birds, etc. Research groups work in Oulu, Oulanka research station and Kevo research station.
The student should contact the head of the research group in beforehand and agree with him about the project work before arriving.
http://www.oulu.fi/biology/english/staff.html
SPECIAL ACADEMIC CONDITIONS
Please note: This summer program is intended for students who have studied biology for two or more years.
LANGUAGE NOTES
I-to-I applicants who are not native English speakers must submit the ISEP Language Proficiency Report. Note: The host institution ultimately determines proficiency level and course eligibility.
SEMESTER OPTIONS
See the Membership Directory for more details.
PROGRAM DATES
June to August 2015
APPLICATION DEADLINE
March 15, 2015
PROGRAM FEE
Based on tuition, housing, and meals at home university
PROFILE
The University of Oulu was founded in 1958 and has since grown rapidly, establishing itself as one of the leading universities in Finland. The university prides itself on high-quality teaching and learning as well as innovative research. Total enrollment is more than 16,600 students, around 800 of which are international. The premises are modern, spacious, and equipped with the latest computer and data processing facilities. The main campus was designed to accommodate a northern climate and features colorful, comfortable interior spaces with greenhouse plantings and sunrooms. The university's Botanical Gardens (called Romeo and Juliet), zoo, Natural History Museum, and Museum of Geology are located on the main campus. There is also a well-equipped sports complex.
LOCATION
The pleasant and modern city of Oulu is situated on the western coast of northern Finland, about 125 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Oulu is the leading educational, commercial, industrial, and administrative center in northern Finland. It is rich in culture and provides many opportunities for leisure activities including music festivals, concerts, art festivals, sports events, theater performances, and a unique music video festival each summer. Oulu also offers excellent travel connections to the rest of the country and world in general.
The botany and zoology field courses take place in Oulu and also in two other locations. Please note: rubber boots are needed in the field courses as the conditions are too wet for hiking boots. Warm clothes, especially in May–June, are also necessary as the temperature may be as low as +3 degrees Celsius during the day.
On the Island of Hailuoto, just outside of Oulu:
A field facility exists on the Island of Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay and bird observation station at Tauvo.
At the Oulanka Research Station, situated in the Oulanka National Park close to the Finnish–Russian border, about 20 km south of the Arctic Circle:
Oulanka Research Station is part of the Thule Institute and is situated in Kuusamo as a regional unit of the University of Oulu. Its modern research and educational facilities provide an inspiring environment for researchers, teachers, and students alike.
