Biology: Conservation Biology

The course consists of several thematic blocks. After a short overview of conservation problems, the subject of conservation biology, some of its roots, relations to ethics and philosophy, you will go on to learn in-depth about population ecology with a conservation perspective, and conservation genetics.

A large part of the course is devoted to processes and conservation problems in heterogeneous landscapes and a changing world. The consequences of climate and land use changes are fundamental topics, and you will also learn about and get hands-on experience with things like meta-population and source-sink models, and species distribution models. During lectures, exercises, and seminars you cover and discuss many topics in the field, including restoration and rewilding, trophic cascades, land-sparing-land-sharing, the human dimensions of conservations, and more.

Two excursions are offered during the course. One is to an area in the center of Scania with the landscape mixed between two nature reserves, some nature restoration, and active commercial forest management. The other one is to Nordens Ark, an ecological restoration / captive breeding centre and zoo, where you will learn about both captive breeding of animals and restoration of ecological landscapes. During both excursions, you will work in small groups in the field and meet professionals.

The course is based on lectures, discussion seminars, computer exercises, excursions, and a literature project. The course combines lectures, seminars, and exercises to foster rich discussions—both among students and with teachers—while also giving you time for independent work and reflection

After the first three weeks, you will have one written exam (5 credits), covering the introduction, population dynamics, and conservation genetics. The next block, on heterogeneous landscapes and global change, is then covered in a second exam (7 credits).

At the end of the course, you will be doing a short project in small groups on any conservation biology-related topic. This is typically a literature review but could otherwise be based on data-analysis or theoretical modelling. The project gives 3 credits and is examined by a written report, an oral presentation, and a peer-review of one of the other course projects. The final grade will be based on a weighted average of all three examinations.

Prerequisites

Knowledge corresponding to BIOC02 Ecology, 15 credits and BIOR23/BIOC05 Nature Conservation or BIOR69 Population and Community Ecology, 15 cr. A Bachelor´s Degree (180 credits). English 6/English course B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 42,500
First payment: SEK 42,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.