BI1447, Census Methods for Biodiversity, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Biology Area

Ecology

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

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

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Wildlife, Fish, & Environmental Studies

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife Populations - Master's Programme
• Conservation and Management of Fish and Wildlife (MSc)
• Forest Science - Master's Programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001