NNMB16001U Field Course in Ecology and Evolution of East Africa
BSc Programme in Biology
A general introduction to East African rainforest and savanna ecosystems.
Biodiversity surveys as well as plant and animal monitoring applying traditional and innovative methods. Human-wildlife conflicts, ecosystem services & conservation, community participation as a sustainability strategy.
Morphological and biological characteristics of the major 'key' groups of animals and plants in the East African rainforest and savanna ecosystems.
Field techniques are demonstrated and practiced and compared with innovative methods.
Knowledge:
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
- Describe rainforest and savanna ecosystems in general terms.
- 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.
- Outline the major challenges involved in the conservation of tropical ecosystems and their species
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.
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 DKK 12,000 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.
The administration fee needs to be paid in two instalments: (1) DKK 6,000 by 1 March and (2) DKK 6,000 by 15 June. The first payment is used for, e.g., advance payment of park fees and hotel reservations and is not refundable.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 20
- Preparation
- 24
- Practical exercises
- 30
- Field Work
- 42
- Excursions
- 50
- Exam Preparation
- 40
- Total
- 206
Verbal feedback as dialogue and questions during the field part. Written comments to the essay.
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Continuous assessment
- Type of assessment details
- Evaluation based on participation and written assignment (one
week).
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. - 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
Internal examiners
- Re-exam
If the student has not fulfilled the exam registration requirements the student must take the course again next year.
If the written assignment is unacceptable or not submitted in time, the student is given a new subject with one week (40 hours) to write a new essay.
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning Outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NNMB16001U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Placement
- Summer
- Schedule
- 11-24 August 2025 in Tanzania followed by a 1-week written assignment.
- Course capacity
- 16
The number of places might be reduced if you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting department
- The Natural History Museum of Denmark
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Nikolaj Scharff (nscharff@snm.ku.dk)
- Thomas Pape (tpape@snm.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Teachers from SNM and local teachers depending on availability.