| Academic year: | 2010-2011 |
| Course code module | MBIO1042 |
| Semester: | 1st semester |
| Credits: | 5 |
| Study load (hours) | 140 |
| Theory (hours): | 30,00 |
| Practice/Exercises(hours): | 15,00 |
| Other (hours): | |
| Part-time program: | 1+2 |
| Instructor(s) | Ruurd van Diggelen
Ladislav Miko
|
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Semester exam information: | exam in the 1st semester |
| Contract restriction information: | |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
Basic principles of fundamental and applied ecology.
*Sequentiality
Undefined
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
You have insight into the different views that exist on Conservation Biology.
You understand the premises upon which these views are based.
You possess skills to handle different opinions in the field of Conservation Biology.
You understand and can apply legal and policy instruments to reach conservation targets.
3. Course content
Sustainability
Main features of the debate on the importance of the concept of sustainability, history of the concept of sustainability, concept of natural capital, ecological resilience, special concepts ("environmental utilization space","ecological footprints"), formation of indicators, case studies, political strategies of sustainability (global, EU, NW Europe)
Ethics
Create an understanding of the special character of philosophical and ethical forms of reasoning. The focus is on the debate on a potential intrinsic value of natural entities (anthropocentrism-physiocentrism, indigeneous property rights, decision-makers vs. beneficiaries).
Valuation of nature
Economic valuation (direct-use vs. non-direct-use values, value of global ecosystem services), Ecological valuation (ecological footprint, ecosystem health); emission trading, theory of public goods
Conservation targets
Concepts of nature (wilderness, arcadian, functional concept), species, ecosystem functions, ecosystem services
Choosing between targets
Reference ecosystems (historical, modern), functional targets, ecosystem services to society targets, who decides at what level
Measuring the degree of success
Indicators, criteria
Instruments
Overview of important policies (global, EU, NW Europe), international treaties, legal aspects/laws
Exercises:
-
Student presentations on selected subjects
-
Role plays
-
Writing of essays on selected subjects
4. Teaching method
Direct contact: LecturesExercise sessionsSeminars (possible question and answer sessions)
Personal work: ExercisesAssignments - individual
5. Assessment method
Exam: Written, without oral presentationMultiple choice
Continuous assessment: Exercises
6. Compulsory reading – study material
Reader
7. Recommended reading - study material
Selected literature for each lecture
8. Tutoring
Teachers are available after class for questions and individual counselling.