Program Overview

Program Overview

The International Nature Conservation course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues related to the conservation of nature. The course aims to equip students with knowledge of why wild nature is currently in decline, why this matters, and how biology coupled with other disciplines can be used to identify solutions.

Course Content

The course follows a modular structure, covering the state of biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystem services, as well as the pressures on species, habitats, and ecosystem services, and human responses to conserve species, habitats, and ecosystem services. Topics include:

• Why measuring trends in biodiversity is essential for conservation
• Balancing conservation with the need to extract natural resources
• The application of general biological theory in conservation
• Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation methods
• The interface between biology, social science, and politics in achieving conservation goals

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the status of wild nature on the planet
• Analyze the main scientific questions in conservation science and the interface between biology and social science
• Evaluate the real impacts of global development on biodiversity
• Explain how economics and ecological services can improve conservation prospects
• Assess the effects of conservation actions and the evidence for their effectiveness

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course will employ a mix of lectures, guest lectures, theoretical exercises, computer-based exercises, role plays, and discussion sessions.

Literature

Reading materials will primarily come from peer-reviewed literature, as well as reports from NGOs and intergovernmental organizations.

Recommended Prerequisites

Students are recommended to have taken one or more relevant courses in biology, conservation, human geography, biodiversity, international politics, or community-based conservation. An academic qualification equivalent to a BSc degree is also recommended.

Assessment

The examination consists of two parts: active participation and a report during the course, and a take-home written exam. The course is passed if the final grade is passed, irrespective of the grading of the subparts.

Course Details

• Course Type: Single subject course (day)
• Workload: 206 hours
• Language: English
• Course Number: SGBK20011U
• ECTS: 7.5 ECTS
• Programme Level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 1 block
• Placement: Block 3
• Schedule Group: C
• Capacity: 35 students
• Study Board: Study Board for the Biological Area
• Contracting Department: Globe, Department of Food and Resource Economics
• Contracting Faculty: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
• Course Coordinator: Jonas Geldmann
• Teachers: Bo Dalsgaard, Jonas Geldmann, Neil Burgess, Lars Dinesen, Naia Morueta-Holme, Niels Strange, and several guest lecturers.