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 and conservation of areas and species.

Course Description

The class reviews selected topics in empirical and theoretical ecology that are particularly relevant for conservation biology. Lecture topics will include:

- Conservation biology: definition, purpose and future goals

- Biological diversity: definition, distribution and measurement

- Valuation of biodiversity: direct and indirect economic values, ethical values

- Threats to biological diversity: habitat fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, climate change, etc.

- Conservation at the population and species level: genetic variability, demographic and environmental stochasticity, catastrophes

- Practical applications in conservation biology: designing and establishing protected areas, restoration ecology

- IUCN and NATURA: definitions, purpose and content (tools for conservation)

- Population Viability Analysis (PVA): excercise in PVA-modelling

Learning Methods

39 hours lectures, 5 days field course (expected cost for students 400-500 NOK; PS! Exchange students will get some reduction in costs). Teaching medium is English.

Assessment Methods

The final exam (4 hours) counts for 100% of the grade. The field course is mandatory.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean