Program Overview

Program Overview

The Field Course in Nature Management is a comprehensive program designed to introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of nature management. The course provides an in-depth understanding of the problems associated with managing different terrestrial nature types and offers a unique opportunity to experience these nature types in practice.

Course Content

The course covers a range of topics, including:

• National and international nature conservation and management (NATURA 2000, §3)
• Nature monitoring and conservation objectives
• Nature conservation and restoration
• Field-based nature interpretation and guidance

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Analyze the state of nature in a given habitat based on vegetation and selected plant and animal species
• Conduct nature monitoring and quality assessment using developed tools and critically analyze the results
• Describe a nature site and gather the necessary knowledge (biology, management, environmental impact, administration, etc.) for management with the aim of achieving a favorable conservation status for the nature types on the site

Teaching Methods

The course begins with two days of teaching in Copenhagen, where the legal and biological background for nature management is covered. This is followed by a residential component of five to six days, where a range of terrestrial nature types are visited and presented by local nature managers. The course concludes with the development of a management plan for a specific area, applying the knowledge and tools gained during the course.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a written report, which is developed throughout the course and submitted at the end. The report should demonstrate the student's ability to analyze the state of nature, conduct nature monitoring, and develop a management plan.

Course Information

• Course Number: NIGK17018U
• ECTS: 7.5 ECTS
• Level: Master's
• Language: Danish
• Capacity: 34 students
• Institute: Institute for Geoscience and Natural Resource Management
• Faculty: Faculty of Science

Teachers

The course is taught by a team of experienced instructors, including:

• Lasse Gottlieb
• David Bille Byriel
• Hjalte Ro-Poulsen
• Rita Buttenschøn
• Inger Kappel Schmidt

Prerequisites

The course requires a bachelor's degree in Biology or Natural Resources or equivalent. It is recommended that students take the course "Nature Management and Biodiversity" before this field course. The course assumes a level of expertise equivalent to a completed BA degree.

Fees

Participation in the course costs 1200 DKK, which covers a contribution to accommodation and food during the residential component of the course.