Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1447 Census Methods for Biodiversity, 15.0 Credits

Inventeringsmetoder för biologisk mångfald

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 credits in one of the following subjects:

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

15 credits Ecology

English 6

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to learn how to plan inventories, apply the most important inventory methods for fish and wildlife and biodiversity, to analyze and interpret the results from these investigations, and to understand the ethical aspects of handling and marking animals.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• plan biodiversity, fish and wildlife censuses on the basis of problem formulation, method performance, labour and equipment requirements, legal constraints, and animal welfare and ethical issues
• conduct a selection of census techniques that are of importance for the sustainable management of biodiversity including fish and wildlife populations
• analyse, interpret, present and discuss data collected by various census techniques
• relate the handling of free-living animals during surveys and sampling to the ethics and legislation of animal research.

Content

Subject-related content

The course provides a broad overview of different inventory methods for wildlife, fish and biodiversity. The course provides skills in how collected data is compiled, analyzed and how obtained results should be interpreted. An overview of Swedish and European animal testing legislation, as well as organization is given with regard to the handling of wild animals for research and management purposes. Ethical aspects of the experimental animals' stress, anxiety, pain and suffering are highlighted. Methods for sampling, anesthesia and anesthesia as well as different injection methods are demonstrated. The course also includes review and exercises related to the application to the experimental ethics committee

Teaching formats

Through teacher-supported training, students are given the opportunity to plan, implement, compile and report the results for a selection of inventory methods. A number of case studies will also be presented during the course. The students use general computer programs (e.g., R and Excel) and also method-specific software to learn how to analyze data from different types of inventory methods. A number of exercises facilitate students' learning, some exercises may be compulsory and vary from year to year. During the course, students complete an individual project with the aim of estimating the number of individuals or density of an animal species. The project must result in a written report and an oral presentation. The students have access to supervision during the project, but the emphasis is on their own work where they use scientific literature.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:*

• data collection
• Analysis and modelling
• Written and oral presentation

The following course components are compulsory:

Compulsory assignments and excursions.

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 project report and oral presentation, approved participation in compulsory exercises, approved written examination.

• 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