4505 Conservation Biology

Prerequisites

Basic biology, Alpine ecology, Alpine biodiversity and management.

Course Objectives

The study will provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the ecological basis for environmental management and conservation. The students will also learn to understand and evaluate the scientific foundation for conservation and the choice of various strategies for the management of conservation-areas and species.

Learning Methods

Lectures, excursions, lab.courses, seminars with student presentations, mandatory reports and papers.
Teaching medium is English.

Course Description

The class reviews selected topics in empirical and theoretical ecology that are particularly relevant for various nature-management strategies. The instruction will, to a large extent, be problem-oriented. Lecture topics will include:

• conservation biology and biodiversity, evolutionary ecology and biodiversity over time
• distribution of biodiversity today, biodiversity indices.
• preservation of populations, demography and genetics.
• preservation of species, rarity, decline, re-establishment and the relationship between behaviour and species preservation.
• ‘preservation of systems’ concerns themes such as landscape ecology, classical nature
• preservation, acute problems, laws and regulations and international cooperation.
• biodiversity – methods, measurements and patterns
• restoration of communities
• management of grazing lands
• vegetation conservation, management and restoration

Assessment Methods

Grades will be given for the three tests: the project paper counts for 30%, the mid-term test (multiple-choice examination) counts for 20% and a final examination (4 hours) counts for 50% of the final grade. In order to take the final examination, the report from the group work must have received pass mark. All three tests must also have received pass marks.

Pensum