Environmental Science MA, Conservation Science, 15 credits

Aim

The student shall develop knowledge on the applied interdisciplinary study of human-nature interactions aiming to protect values associated with the world's ecosystems. Although focusing on the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the course is not primarily addressing human well-being, but rather seeing humans as the driver of global change.

Course objectives

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
• use key concepts in conservation science,
• present the largest threats to biodiversity on national and international level,
• present the background, content and work within key policy process at national and international level, as for example national environmental objectives, EU nature Directives, and the Convention on Biological Diversity,
• read, understand and discuss scientific papers on conservation science,
• critically assess research projects in conservation science and discuss the importance of the findings of research, and
• compile, present and discuss problems in applied conservation science.

Content

The course content is divided in four sections

• Conceptual foundation – What is Conservation Science?
o Biodiversity pattern and processes
o Values and ethics
o Ecological economics

• Threats
o Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
o Overexploitation and underuse
o Invasive species
o Pollution
o Climate change

• Solutions
o Conservation of species, habitats and landscapes
o Nature-based solutions for ecosystem services
o Conservation policy and governance

• Excursions
o Visits to field sites where threats and solutions are presented

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits (180 ECTS) or equivalent, with at least 45 credits (45 ECTS) in total from one or several of the following fields of study, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Environmental Engineering and Environmental Law.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Lectures, seminars, group assignments, independent studies, and excursions.

Examination form

I101: Written assignment reports with oral presentation, 10 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.
Includes both individual and group based assignment reports. The module requires participation in the course excursions. For a student who cannot attend the excursions, these can be replaced with an individual excursion assignment after application to, and decision of, the course examiner.

T101: Written exam, 5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the course syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within one year according to the specified examination forms. Thereafter the examination form is in according to the current course syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

The course is given in English. The university is responsible for the costs for accommodation during excursions as well as for transportation to/from the university in Östersund to the place of the excursions.