REG-31306 Trends in Forest and Nature Conservation

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Tutorial36
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.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MFNForest and Nature ConservationMSc1AF