LNAK10099U Biodiversity in Urban Nature

Volume 2018/2019
Education

MSc Programme in Nature Management
MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Forest and Nature Management
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biology with a minor subject

 

Content

WHY BUN: Obligations to international conventions, reconnection with nature (psycho-social effects, education, etc.) and other ecosystem services close to everyday life.

WHAT is BUN: Biological diversity (biodiversity) at different levels from genome to ecosystem level. Increasing biodiversity and supporting wildlife of all sorts in urban surroundings.

HOW to increase BUN: Presentation and discussion of scientific literature and practical measures to increase biodiversity and exercises with this; manipulations of urban surroundings which can increase diversity of flora and fauna in urban environment.

Keywords from the course plan:
• Historical perspective of urban landscapes

• Value of nature: ethical, ecological, cultural and economic
• Urban wastelands and brownfields: a space for wildlife  
• Introduced and invasive species in cities​

  • Importance of plant selection in the urban environment

• Living roofs (and walls): a reconciliation measure for biodiversity

• Challenges from climate change for diversity in the urban environment
• Biodiversity in public parks and domestic gardens
• Green “corridors” and “stepping stones” – life savers for urban organisms

• Habitat continuity: importance of urban forests, parks and cemeteries

• Practical methods for enhancing diversity and abundance of invertebrates, fungi, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals

  • Maintenance for urban biodiversity 
  • • Urban agriculture and gardening: influence on biodiversity and on reconnecting with nature

• Importance of education and communication in regards to increasing social acceptance of biodiversity

Learning Outcome

When the course has been completed, the participants are expected to have achieved the following:


Knowledge:
- Identification of elements and conditions that promote and increase diversity of mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and other arthropods, plants including trees, and fungi in the urban environment
- Expected consequences on diversity of practical actions taken
- Interactions between plants, herbivores and organisms on other trophic levels
- Methods for quantification of biodiversity

Skills:
- Able to suggest which actions that in a given situation will result in increased or reduced development in the biodiversity.
- Able to explain relationships and interactions among organisms in a given location and situation, and the reasons for absence or presence
- Ability to analyse and evaluate the potential for development of biodiversity  in a given locality
- Measures to put up a goal for development of biodiversity in a given area and for evaluation and documentation of this ambition

Competences:
- Transform theoretical knowledge to practical action in a situation given limited frames
- Assess biological elements, potentials, and possible development barriers in regards to nature areas in the urban environment
- Discuss biological aspects in relation to management wih focus on authenticity, aesthetics, recreation and other interests

Literature

Course literature will consist of selected book chapters and papers. Literature will be freely available on KUnet.

The course will comprise lectures, excursions, practical exercises and student seminars. Group work will focus on a specific self-selected topic and is compulsory for completing the course. Guest lecturers will give first-hand presentations of their research and professional know-how and experiences from the urban jungle.
Excursions are undertaken on bike and by foot.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 30
  • Exam
  • 30
  • Excursions
  • 30
  • Guidance
  • 11
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Practical exercises
  • 15
  • Project work
  • 20
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 25 min
Description of Examination: The individual oral exam consists of a short presentation of the written assignment (6-8 min) followed by questions on the assignment topic (6-8 min). In addition the student will draw a question in relation to lectures and exercises (6-8 min). Passing the course requires, that the combined weighted grade is 02 or above.

During the course the student will choose a subject on which to write a small assignment. The assignment will be delivered to the course responsible at least one week before the final exam. The assignment will be used as a part of the final examination.

The assignment, the individual oral presentation of the assignment and the oral examination on a drawn, general question will each contribute one third to the final grade.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Re-exam

Identical to the ordinary examination form, with resubmisssion of written assignment.

Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome.