Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1453 Applied Population Ecology, 15.0 Credits

Tillämpad populationsekologi

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits

60 credtis in one of the following subjects:

- Biology
- Forestry Science
- Forest Science
- Forest Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Sciences 

15 credits Ecology

English 6

Objectives

The aim of the course is to cover theoretical foundations of population ecology, and important applications of population ecology to solve real-world problems.

After completing the course the student will be able to:

- Have an in-depth understanding of many of the applications of population ecology, especially with regard to sustainable use of harvested animal populations and the conservation of small populations.

- Critically evaluate published studies, identify what data and studies are needed to solve management problems or conservation challenges.

- Perform all steps in the application of population ecology to selected problems, including use of the published scientific literature, data collection, data analysis, and use of the data in various models to understand and predict population development.

- Communicate their conclusions in written form considering different focal groups.

Content

Subject-related content:

The course provides a basic understanding of important theoretical concepts in population ecology including genetics, structure, demography, dynamics and stability. The course focuses on applications to solve problems in practice and in-depth analyzes of selected aspects are covered. The course deals with the sustainable management of taxed animal populations, as well as difficulties with the conservation of rare or endangered species with regard to demographic and genetic aspects. Methods are presented to obtain decision-making support for the conservation and management of populations (e.g. assessments of demographic structure and population size, etc.).

Teaching formats:*

Through a combination of lectures, literature studies and laboratories, basic knowledge and theoretical grounding is obtained. To provide a better understanding of population ecology and to predict extinction risk or population development under different scenarios, computer exercises are used where the student analyzes data and uses the data in models.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:*

• Information retriewal
• Critical evaluation
• Data analysis and modelling
• Written communication

The following course components are compulsory:*

Compulsory assignments

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written examination, approved compulsory assignments and participation in compulsory parts.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies