Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

European Biodiversity 

 DIS Logo

 

 

Guldbasse_Henrik_1.jpg  

Semester & Location:

SU3 2021 (5/7-31/7-2021) - DIS Copenhagen
Credits:

4 credits
Study Tours:

Denmark

National parks
Major Disciplines:

Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability 
Faculty Members:

Katja Vinding Petersen - katja.petersen@dis.dk
Program Director:

Neringa Vendelbo - nb@dis.dk
Time & Date TBA

 

Description of Course

European biodiversity is characterized by great variation in habitats that is dynamic and constantly evolving in response to changes. Such changes happen gradually on a long time scale but with the impact of humans, changes can occur much more rapidly. Today, Europe has a highly fragmented biodiversity with a high rate of species loss.

We will use the six Danish National parks and visit a few of them (except Northeast Greenland National Park). We will also zoom in different topics such as the complexity of re-wilding and investigate the current re-wilding projects within the Danish National parks. 

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you will have a general knowledge of the most common European habitat types and of fundamental concepts within biological conservation of biodiversity. 

You will learn how the different habitats are affected by climate change and human exploitation and you will have experience with evaluating the negative effects on biodiversity. 

You will understand the complexities of environmental conservation and you will be familiar with political frameworks applied within environmental policy and conservation work.

Through field work in Denmark, you will have experience in collecting biodiversity data and conducting simple data analysis, and applying your findings to address present conservation and biodiversity issues.

The course is roughly divided into the below modules:

  1. Broad introduction to European ecosystems, its biodiversity and importance 
  2. Threats to biodiversity: Mass extinctions, global climate change, ecosystem degradation and overexploitation, invasive species.
  3. Protecting and managing ecosystems and biodiversity
  4. Ecological restoration and species reintroduction
  5. The human Influence and urban biodiversity
  6. Conservation and politics - Setting priorities for action

 

Faculty

Katja Vinding Petersen: Ph.D. (Distribution, habitat use, behavior, and sound communication), Zoology Dept., Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, 2016. M.S. (Biology and Didactics), University of Copenhagen, 2007. Research associate at Statens Serum Institute, Denmark (2012-2016). TV presenter at “Physics at sea”, Galathea 3 Expedition (2008). Has worked with marine mammals in the field in, Iceland, Northern Norway, Greenland, and South Africa. Local stranding responsible In the Overstrand Region, South Africa (2010-2012). Founder of the Danish Maine Mammal Society (2003). With DIS since 2019.

 

Readings

The primary readings will be from Fundamentals of Conservation Biology. Hunter M.L. and Gibbs J.P. Third Edition. Blackwell Publishing 2007, which is provided by DIS. Please pick this book up during the Arrivals Workshop.

Relevant hand outs and scientific papers

Papers (some examples):

  • Giakoumi S. et al (2018). Conserving European biodiversity across realms. Conservation Letters. 2018;e12586.
  • Myers et al, 2000. Biodiversity Hotspots for Conservation Priorities. Nature, 403, 853-858. 
  • Caspersen, O. H., Konijnendijk, C. C., & Olafsson, A. S. (2006). Green space planning and land use: An assessment of urban regional and green structure planning in Greater Copenhagen. Geografisk Tidsskrift-Danish Journal of Geography, 106(2), 7-20.

 

Field Studies. To be confirmed

Details TBA. 

Møns Klint: Ice age landscape, mass extinction, Dark Sky conservation.

Spotting ‘wild’ horses in Grib Skov: habitat diversity and management.

Zoological Garden, Copenhagen: European Fauna

 

Study Tour

Denmark National parks. Details TBA

 

Guest Lecturers

Guest lecturers will mainly be prominent Danish scientists working with Biodiversity

 

Approach to Teaching

Most class sessions will be a mix of lecture/discussion and time in the field. Lecture will serve primarily to present background information to provide for more in-depth analysis of primary and secondary literature. In addition to learning the central tenets of the field, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning will be stressed through writing, discussion, and presentations.

 

Expectations of the Students

You are expected to:

  • Attend the classes, field studies, and study tour.
  • Be prepared and have read the assigned readings before class with the help of handouts and questions for the given lecture. In the class room we will not cover all the material in the assigned text, but will focus on key concepts, processes and subjects within the biodiversity of Europe.
  • Be mentally and physically ready for class. 
  • Participate during discussions, group work and common ‘sum ups’ during lectures.
  • Be respectful of the ideas and opinions of your classmates.
  • Hand in assignments on time.
  • Put your mobile phone away during class.

 

Evaluation

 Evaluation is a combination of tests, attendance and performance in assignments

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.

Class participation and readings: Close reading of a range of materials is a key skill to develop and enhance. We will spend much of our time when we are in a classroom discussing by bringing together our own experiences and observations with core concepts. 

  1. Attendance
  2. Completion of reading assignments
  3. Level of preparation and ability to answer questions asked in class
  4. Involvement in class and group discussions
  5. Active participation in field studies and study tour
  6. Level of individual research and contribution to discussions
  7. Being on time to all class meetings and handing in papers and assignments on time
  8. Asking questions when you don’t understand or want further explanation of a subject

One tests: 30 minutes tests.

Study tour assignment: A selection of questions and assignments to be carried out during and adjecent to the study tour. The study tour assignment is designed to contextualize the course material and the student projects in particular with the experiences and knowledge obtained during the study tour.

Research project: One goal of the class is to build your experience and knowledge on European biodiversity by designing, conducting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting research proposals. You will work in groups to develop a testable hypothesis on european biodiversity and then work to gather data. The projects will culminate in presentations and a concise written manuscript.

 

Grading

Assignment

Percent
Participation

25%
Test : European biodiversity

20%

 Study tour assignment

20%

Final research project proposal and presentation

35%

 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

 

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due