NNMB16001U Field Course in Ecology and Evolution of East Africa

Volume 2024/2025
Education

BSc Programme in Biology

Content

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.

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.
  • 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.
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. The course will be completed with each student having one week (40 hours) to write a 5-page written assignment (essay).
This is recommended as an optional summer field course for students aiming at a BSc or 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 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
Written
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester

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