1. Basic information
This syllabus is ratified by the Education Committee of the Faculty of Science 2012. The syllabus is valid from 2012-09-01. The course is at the advanced level (A1N).
2. General information
The course is part of the internet based programme ‘GIS and Earth Observation for Environmental modeling and Natural resource management’ (iGEON). The course is an elective for the double degree: Master of Science in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Faculty ITC, the Netherlands and Master of Science in Geographical Information Science of Lund University, Sweden. The course is also given as a single subject course. The language of instruction is English. The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.
The course is part of the main field of study in Physical Geography and Ecosystems Science at the Faculty of Science. The course is an elective course on advanced level for a Master’s degree in Geographical Information Science, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Sweden.
3. Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to give theoretical and practical understanding of the biodiversity concept and demonstrate how GIS can be used for analyzing different aspects of biodiversity.
Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
· describe the background and content of the convention on biodiversity,
· generally describe the largest threats to biological diversity and give examples of strategies to preserve and improve biodiversity,
· describe the concepts and theories of genetic, species and landscape diversity,
· describe biodiversity with biodiversity indices and understand advantages and disadvantages of different indices,
· describe the main driving forces of biodiversity at the genetic, species and landscape level, both locally and globally,
· describe the main components of ecosystem modelling and their individual and common functions in natural ecosystems,
· describe the significance of different geographical data formats for analysis and/or cartographic presentation of biodiversity,
· discuss strengths and weaknesses regarding the use of GIS for studies of biodiversity.
Proficiency and skills
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
· analyze and describe the spatial distribution and diversity of genes, species or vegetation types with different methods and indices,
· use relevant computer programs in order to analyze geographical data and present results for studies of biodiversity,
· analyze, understand and solve problems related to different data sources and data quality,
· use and understand spatial modelling, e.g. spatial distribution of vegetation types/species based on different climate change scenarios,
· independently perform a biodiversity study including choice and transformation of data formats, choice of analytical tools and methods and presentation of results, and discuss the results from an ecological and geographical perspective.
Attitude and ability to appraise
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
· assimilate and critically evaluate and discuss choice of data and analytical method for solving a specific problem,
· critically review, evaluate and discuss the reliability of methods , analyses and its results.
4. Course contents
The course consists of the following parts:
· Introduction to the concept of biodiversity. How was the convention on biodiversity developed and what does it contain? What is the present situation for biodiversity (globally and regionally)?
· Genetic diversity. Basic genetic concepts. Sampling design for studies of genetic diversity and examples of studies of genetic diversity.
· Species diversity. Which factors affects the species diversity and what is the global distribution of species diversity?
· Landscape diversity. What is a landscape and how is it developed? Landscape structure and its organisms. One example: The traditional cultural landscape. Which indices are used to describe the landscape structure and character?
· Global environmental changes and biodiversity. How does an ecosystem function and which factors affect it? Climate and global vegetation patterns.
· Independent project where the student investigates and describes the biodiversity in his/her home country and proposes strategies to preserve biodiversity.
5. Teaching and assessment
The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.
Examination is through approved individual exercises and project reports.
6. Grades
Students are graded for the course according to the following levels: Passed and Failed.
In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed all compulsory exercises and to have participated in all compulsory course elements.
7. Entrance qualifications
The following are required for admission to the course: Basic admission requirements of Lund University and at least 90 higher education credits including iGEON compulsory courses of semester 1 and 2 (35 ECTS).
8. Literature
According to a list established by the department, available at least five weeks before the start of the course.