Syllabus

BI0872 Wildlife biology, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

To supply qualified knowledge on Scandinavian wildlife ecology and management, including research and monitoring methods, species biology, wildlife damage, ecological processes and management strategies. The course focuses on applied ecological aspects related to management, conservation, hunting and land use and acknowledge both ecological theory and practical issues.

After completion of the course, the students should be able to;

• describe the general ecology of Swedish wildlife (large herbivores, small game species with cyclic population dynamics, and medium sized to large carnivores).

• account for management strategies of both hunted and protected species, as well as wildlife damage.

• exemplify and summarize common methods within wildlife research and methods used to obtain input data for the management.

• have a basic understanding how population models and monitoring data can be used in management decisions.

• be familiar with common topics in wildlife biology and know where and how further knowledge could be found, e.g. from the scientific and management literature.

• summarize and assess the varying kind of knowledge (ecological, sociological, economic etc.) needed to develop management plans.

Content

The course consists of lectures, exercises, group and individual projects, educational visits and excursions. The first part of the course concerns methods used in wildlife research and management, that are demonstrated and practiced in the field. The second part of the course is a survey of Swedish wildlife species and their ecology, natural dynamics and regulation, and habitat utilization etc. The third part of the course deals with management scenarios and real-world problems, land use, wildlife damage, wildlife research, administration and laws concerning Swedish wildlife management and conservation.

The project topics are chosen within the subject areas of the course to enable the students to broaden their knowledge. The group projects include field studies.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examinations, written reports and oral presentations of the projects

• 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 examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the 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 Ecology