NNMB16001U Field Course in Ecology and Evolution of East Africa

Volume 2018/2019
Education

BSc Programme in Biology

Content
  • A general introduction to rainforest and savanna ecosystems with particular focus on East Africa.  
  • Biodiversity surveys, monitoring and conservation issues.
  • Morphological and biological characteristics of the major ‘key’ groups of animals and plants in the East African rainforest and savanna ecosystems.
  • Tropical fieldwork and field techniques are demonstrated and practiced.
Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Describe rainforest and savanna ecosystems in general terms.
  • Outline the major challenges involved in the conservation of tropical ecosystems and their species.
  • Describe how to carry out practical fieldwork under tropical conditions.
  • Mention and briefly describe the morphology and biology of the major ‘key’ groups of animals and plants in the East African rainforest and savanna ecosystems.

 

Skills:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Explain how to collect occurrence data in the field and how to analyze such data.
  • Outline the roles of key animal and plant groups in rainforest and savanna ecosystems and explain how they interact. 

 

Competencies:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • Elaborate on conservational priorities for tropical ecosystems.
  • Discuss the processes that generate biological diversity in rainforest and savanna ecosystems.
  • Compare different field techniques and assess their suitability and cost-efficiency.
Students are expected to have a basic biological knowledge equivalent to one year into BSc.
A mixture of lectures, field and lab exercises, and field excursions. Evaluation based on participation and written assignment (one week).
Recommended as an optional summer field course for students aiming at an MSc thesis project within or relating to tropical biology and conservation.

The field course takes place at the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre in Mang'ula at the foothills of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, southern Tanzania. Activities include trekking in steep terrain and spending some nights in a tented camp, which can be physically demanding.

Administration fee is 10.000 DKK and covers transportation costs within Tanzania, park fees, teaching materials, food and accommodation. Administration fee does not cover travel costs to and from Tanzania.

Students will be required to have their own international travel health insurance and arrange for a valid visa for entry into Tanzania (a three months tourist visa can be acquired in the airport of Dar es Salaam for $ 50.

The administration fee needs to be paid in two rates: (1) 2500 kr. by March, 1 2019 and (2) 7500 kr. by June 15, 2019. The first payment is used for e.g. prepayment of park fees and hotel reservations, and is therefore not refundable.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Course Preparation
  • 24
  • Exam Preparation
  • 40
  • Excursions
  • 50
  • Field Work
  • 42
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Total
  • 206
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
The course will be completed with each student doing a 5 page written assignment after returning from the field part. The titles for the assignments will be given to the students before they return to Denmark, and the students will have one week (40 hours) to write the essay. The essay is weighted 100% of the grade.
Exam registration requirements

Active participation in the field part of the course.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Flere interne censorer
Re-exam

As the ordinary exam.

If the student has not fullfilled the exam registration requriments the student must take the course again next year.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome