BI1380, Urban Ecology for the Development of Sustainable Living, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology, Landscape Architecture

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 course is interdisciplinary and integrates ecology, pest management and urban planning with the aim to promote sustainable urban development for plants, animals and humans.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Explain scientific concepts of urban ecology and integrated pest management (IPM), adapted to urban areas • Analyse historical perspectives and future challenges for the development of urban green areas • Integrate ecology and other disciplines to develop sustainable cities with focus on plants and their interacting species • Analyse how theoretical concepts and reasoning within and among different subject areas can contribute to the design and management of sustainable green urban areas • Identify hypotheses and scientifically investigate them to draw conclusions about sustainable development of green areas • Communicate scientific results, and their implications for sustainable management of green areas, to a broad audience.

Content

The content ranges from natural science to social science perspectives, as well as their integration, for urban development in line with the UN sustainable development goals (e.g. SDG’s number 11 and 15). Central to the course are the concepts of urban ecology and sustainable pest management. Sustainable pest management relies on both profound ecological and biological knowledge of plant pests and beneficial organisms (e.g. pollinators), that is integrated with a social science perspective. The course addresses ecological processes within urban areas and how interactions between species (plants, microorganisms, insects) could be integrated with e.g. landscape architecture and environmental psychology, for developing sustainable urban areas for plants, animals and humans. Students are introduced to interdisciplinary work for designing and maintaining different types of green areas (e.g. parks, gardens, golf courses, urban farms) that are practical and adoptable for human activities. A range of perspectives from different actors (e.g. the public, decision makers, city planners and ecologists) of urban planning and management of urban green areas are part of the course, including perspectives of plant cultivation, biodiversity and invasive species, human health and wellbeing, landscape design and future challenges in both a Swedish and an international context. Students also have the opportunity to specialize within their own field and to understand how their own competences are needed to create sustainable cities.

The course is given via distance learning. Activities include lectures, seminars, case studies and other exercises and assignments, as well as project work.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The examination is based on oral and written reports of individual and group work. To pass the course students must pass the examination and participate in obligatory activities.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Agroecology - Master's Programme
• Landscape Engineer Programme - Alnarp
• Landscape Architecture- Master's Programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001

Other Information

The course is intended both for students with natural and social science background, and professionals.