Biodiversity and Conservation, 7.5 credits
(Biologisk mångfald och bevarandebiologi, 7,5 högskolepoäng)
| Course code | MJ004A |
|---|---|
| Subject area | Environmental Science |
| Main field of study | Environmental Science |
| Progressive specialisation | A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements) |
| Academic school | School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies |
| Disciplary domain |
Natural sciences 100%
|
| Grading scale | AF |
| Education cycle | Second-cycle (Master) |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Valid from | Autumn semester 2023 |
Validation
This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2022-12-07 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of English 6 and a Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, social sciences or humanities including a minimum of 90 credits relevant to the environment, sustainability or global development.
Learning outcomes
On completing the course, the student can:
- define and discuss different aspects of biological diversity, such as diversity within species, between species, at ecosystem level, and on different spatial and temporal scales
- critically analyse theories and models for different aspects of conservation biology
- use biological and social theories to analyse the role of biodiversity in a sustainable human society
- discuss biodiversity from various ethical perspectives
Course content, modules and examinations
The theoretical part of the course includes in‑depth studies of the extent of biodiversity, from genes to ecosystems. This includes global and historical patterns and processes of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity, conservation genetics and conservation at different scales: populations, metapopulations, ecosystems and landscapes, as well as community‑based conservation, conservation, sustainable development, ecological restoration and different ethical perspectives on the conservation of biodiversity.
Project work consists of computer modelling and individual exercises.
1001,
Biodiversity and Conservation, theory,
4 credits
(Biologisk mångfald och bevarandebiologi, teori,
4 högskolepoäng)
Grades permitted:
AF
1002,
Biodiversity and Conservation, project assignment,
3.5 credits
(Biologisk mångfald och bevarandebiologi, projektarbete,
3,5 högskolepoäng)
Grades permitted:
Two-grade scale
Course design
Lectures, seminars, computer modelling and exercises
Examination format
1001, Biodiversity and Conservation, theory, 4 credits
- written take‑home examination
1002, Biodiversity and Conservation, project assignment, 3.5 credits
- oral presentations at seminars and individually written reports
The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.
If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.
Restrictions on accreditation
The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.