• The student can give a critical vision on the management of ecosystems and their services;
• The student is able to formulate management and restoration measures with respect to anthropogenic forcing for various ecosystem types;
• The student can elaborate on critical factors that explain why measures lead to a success or failure.
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Nature management and restoration, for a long time, has been based on a trial and error approach. In the present course you will learn why an approach based on biogeochemical research is vital for ecosystem management and restoration. This scientific approach, focusing on biogeochemical and ecological key factors and key processes, provides insight into the actual causal relationships between environmental changes and ecosystem responses. In addition, it indicates the target processes for restoration and conservation of biodiversity, and thereby enables scientists and nature managers to predict restoration prospects for locations that differ with respect to their initial conditions.
The course consists of following elements:
- Short recap lectures on ecological and biogeochemical concepts
- Paper discussion
- Case study: writing of a technical advice report (management or restoration advice to tackle a specific ecological problem).
During the course you will focus on acquiring academic skills (e.g. interpreting scientific papers) as well skills necessary to be a successful nature manager or ecological consultant (e.g. formulating practical advice).
Students who want to attend this course, should be familiar with basic concepts of biogeochemistry and ecology. The master course ‘Management of Ecosystems’ is an ideal follow up of the RU bachelor courses Applied Ecology (Toegepaste Ecologie) and System Ecology (Systeem Ecologie).
A syllabus and case study material will be available on bright space. Especially for students lacking a bachelor background in ecology and biogeochemistry we advise to read the below mentioned article (Lamers et al. 2015) before the start of the course.
| Major topics that will be discussed |
Major land-use changes
Habitat and ecosystem consequences
Restoration of habitat and ecosystem quality
Biodiversity: species recolonization
Restoration of carbon sequestration as an ecosystem service
From trial and error to predictability
Working methods:
- Team work (problem-based-learning)
- Tutor meetings
- Lectures
- Team presentation
Your grade will be based on the following elements:
- an individual test (20%),
- an individual paragraph in your team’s technical advice report (30%),
- a team grade for the presentation of your technical advice report (15%) and
- a team grade for the collective parts of the technical advice report (35%).
You need to score at least a 5.5 for all elements to pass the course.
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| Master in biology; preferably with couses Applied Ecology (Toegepaste Ecologie) and System Ecology (Systeem Ecologie) |
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| Written exam (closed book). |
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