Entry requirements

At least two years of basic courses in Natural Sciences, equivalent to 50 points/75 ECTS credits in Biology. Biology courses should include Cell Biology, Genetics and Gene Technology, Structure and Physiology of Organisms, and Ecology.

Learning outcomes

As an overall aim the student gain deeper knowledge within the ecology and to a greater extent be able to use this knowledge in nature conservation applications compared with the undergraduate level.

After the course, the student should be able to

* understand and describe analyses of reasons for vulnerability of small and large populations and their extinction risks

* use models for unstructured and structured populations and metapopulations with and without the following factors: Density dependency (positive and negative), environmental and demographic uncertainty and autocorrelation.

* understand and describe models of genetic variation within and between populations

* handle the concept genetic drift and its relevance in the conservation biology

* understand and handle the concepts inbreeding and inbreeding depression and how these influence threatened populations

* link population genetics with demography and inbreeding and extinction

* explain the history and origin of the cultural landscape

* explain the history of the boreal and nemoral forest

* explain the ecology of the wetlands

* handle mathematical models within conservation biology

* plan and carry out a demographic study with subsequent analysis using matrix simulation

* review and establish a plan for a protected area for example a nature reserve

* independently perform conservation assessments using mathematical models

* critically review scientific literature

* orally and in writing present own and other's material.

Content

The course comprises a theoretical part in which include lectures, computer simulations, computer exercises, seminars and field trips. During a project, the students work in groups with for example establishment of conservation plan or analyses of action programmes for threatened species and environments.

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, computer exercises, field trips, study visits, contacts with companies and authorities and a shorter project. Participation in seminars, field trips, study visits and project are compulsory.

The course is based on the students' earlier knowledge in ecology and the progression is ensured through increased depth and independence and working life connection where the knowledge in nature conservation and sustainable development is applied.

Modules: Theory 11 credits, projects 4 credits

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, computer exercises, calculation exercises, field trips, study visits, contacts with companies and authorities and a shorter project. Participation in seminars, field trips, study visits and project are compulsory.

Assessment

The project module equivalent to 4 credits includes participation in project, field trips, seminars, computer-based laboratory sessions and calculation exercises. All exercises are compulsory and are examined through oral and/or written presentations. The theory part is examined by a written examination equivalent to 11 credits.