Luonnonsuojelubiologian perusteet

A good understanding of basic ecology. No prior knowledge of conservation is expected.

• The student can describe and analyze causes and consequences of biodiversity loss
• The student can describe main conservation approaches
• The student recognizes the influence of human factors in conservation effectiveness
• The student can synthesize and analyze conservation problems based on theory

This is an online course. The course materials consist of video lectures, scientific articles, web resources and diverse tasks ranging from quizzes to student discussions and essays.

The free online book “Conservation biology for all” by Sodhi & Ehrlich (2010) provides supplementary reading for those interested.

This is primarily an online course that can advance mostly in a self-paced manner. Nonetheless, the course has a few assignments with deadlines and some group work, as well as three joint discussion sessions spaced throughout the course. Course completion requires watching all video-lectures, completing all self-assessment tasks and grading assignments, as well as attending three discussion sessions. The course requires ca. 135hrs of independent work.

Each video-lecture is followed by self-assessment assignments that do not count towards course grade. The course grade is derived from a weighted average of 5 larger assignments, each graded from 0 to 5. Some of the assignments are conducted in pairs or small groups. Evaluation matrices are provided for the essay assignments.

The course includes a large number of activities, from activating questions, through quizzes, forum discussions, small quantitative exercises, reflective essays and creative tasks like producing a video in a small group.

Primarily for students in Master's Programme in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Open to students from other programmes and universities.

Period 2.

The course is optional in Evolutionary Biology, Advanced Studies.

English

Second-cycle degree, EQF level 7

The course is part of Biodiversity Education Network(Avautuu uuteen välilehteen).