REG-31306 Trends in Forest and Nature Conservation
Course
Credits 6.00
Teaching method | Contact hours |
Lectures | 24 |
Tutorial | 36 |
Course coordinator(s) | dr. M Holmgren |
Lecturer(s) | dr. M Holmgren |
dr. EM Veenendaal | |
dr. ir. KF Wiersum | |
Examiner(s) | dr. M Holmgren |
Language of instruction:
English
Contents:
Trends in Forest and Nature Conservation is a truly interdisciplinary course developed by four chair-groups (REG, NCP, FNP and FEM). It is organized in five thematic blocks that develop key ecological concepts and address the current challenges for conservation and ecosystem management: 1) Introductory block presents an overview of the main emerging scientific approaches on forest/nature conservation, including the importance of inter-disciplinarity. Develops the theoretical framework and main common concepts that are behind the more particular cases addressed in the other blocks; 2) Climate change and conservation block discusses how we manage and conserve ecosystems under a rapidly changing climate; 3) Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning discusses how ecosystem functioning directs our goals for conservation and management; 4) Conservation in semi-natural and shifting landscapes discusses how we can deal with conservation in 50% of the earth surface transformed by agriculture, pasture or human living; 5) Resource management brings a close up on how we link social and ecological aspects using some case studies.
Learning outcomes:
The student is expected, at the end of the course unit to be able to:
- understand the importance of integrating social and ecological sciences into conservation and management programs (whole course);
- apply actual theoretical and practical methods in conservation and management (through lectures,plenary discussions, an final exam);
- develop skills to interpret and critically evaluate scientific papers and properly communicate results (through editorial review and essay);
- be aware of the concept of inter-disciplinarity and realize the additional value of the integration of ecological and social sciences to solve (complex) problems in conservation and management (whole course activities).
Activities:
The course uses a combination of working forms including classical lectures, plenary discussions, editorial reviews and scientific essays. Learning to critically read and write are central targets.
Examination:
Final essay (40%). Editorial review of a manuscript (30%). Final exam (30%) Assignments are individual.
Literature:
Course outline and reader are provided online.
Programme | Phase | Specialization | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted Optional for: | MFN | Forest and Nature Conservation | MSc | 1AF |