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Syllabus

BI1340 Ecology for Fish Management and Conservation, 15.0 Credits

Ekologi för fiskevård

Subjects

Environmental Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0101

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

Equivalent to 120 credits including 60 credits in Natural Science or Technology. Knowledge corresponding to at least 20 credits in Biology, including 7.5 credits in Ecology. English language proficiency demonstrated as English 6 (Swedish secondary school) or equivalent.

Objectives

The course aims at training students in fish ecology and its applications in aquatic resource management and conservation of fish populations in freshwater, coastal and marine environments. This course gives students skills for working with national and international water and fisheries management issues.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe essential ecological terms and theory as well as legislation and management goals relevant for fish management and conservation

2. Identify and apply ecological knowledge to current real-life issues in fish management and conservation

3. Evaluate fish management and conservation plans or measures from a fish ecological perspective

4. Summarise and communicate relevant ecological knowledge on aquatic resource management to stakeholders and fish management and conservation organisations

Content

A major part of the course consists of a project work with case studies regarding actual fish management and conservation projects. Students work in groups with representatives of on-going management projects. The students’ task is to formulate the management problem, find and compile ecological knowledge in order to solve management questions, as well as presenting ecological knowledge and proposals for management improvement to stakeholders. Students discuss in seminars the ecological knowledge on fish ecology obtained from scientific literature and how it relates to the identified management problems in the case studies.

In a series of lectures students gain a deeper understanding of essential aspects of fish ecology such as fish migration, fish life cycles, spatial ecology, and population genetics, and broaden their fish management perspectives, which subsequently and where suitable will be implemented in their project work.

The course also encompass current European and national legislation regarding nature and the aquatic environment (for example the Water Framework Directive, Habitat Directive, Marine Directive, Swedish environmental management goals). It also covers fisheries resource aspects (such as commercial and recreational fisheries, the Common Fisheries Policy) that build the frameworks and are the main driving forces for most fish management and conservation activities.

Students will also receive training in efficiently communicating ecological knowledge and information in applied management settings.

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

Completed and approved oral and written presentation of project work and active participation in mandatory seminars.

Grading is based on written report on a case study (groupwise), compilation of a poster, as well as oral presentation of the case study. Grade 4 and 5 requires additional individual written and oral reporting.

• 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.

Additional information

Field trips to fish management and conservation projects are included and will be organised as day trips from Ultuna.

Responsible department

Department of Aquatic Resources