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BIO9150 - Conservation and management biology

Course content

The course provides a good introduction to theory, method and practice in conservation and management biology, with particular emphasis on Norwegian conditions. The course is particularly suitable for students who want to work in nature management or research concerned with the conservation of biological diversity and harvestable biological resources.

Learning outcomes

You learn about the role of biological science, its possibilities and limitations in the conservation and management of genetic diversity, species diversity and harvestable biological resources. Central themes are sustainable management of fish- and wildlife populations, problems related to large predators, extinction risks, invasions of alien species, and the degradation, fragmentation and restoration of habitats. Scientific arguments for conservation, and different types of conservation measures are detailed. A multidisiplinary approach is emphasized, and the importance of political context. Relevant laws and regulations are detailed, and you get an overview of institutions and organizations in Norway and international society working with conservation and management. Through case-studies you get close-up experience with practical conservation- and management work. The course also aims at improving the students’ skill in oral and written presentation about these questions.

Admission

To participate in this course you must have an admission to a Ph.D.-programme at a Norvegian University or University College.

If you do not have an admission to the Ph.D.-Programme in Science at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UiO, you have to apply for hospitantstatus (norwegian text) . For more information, please contact the Department.

Prerequisites

Recommended prior knowledge

Bachelor in biology, or similar courses. Good basic knowledge in ecology and evolution.

Overlap

10 credits against BIO4150 - Conservation and management biology.

Teaching

• Lectures each week (2h) in general theory, based on the textbook.
• 100 pages with extra-litterature on conservation challenges on the organism or hypothesis that you work on in you Ph.D.
• Seminars, including two whole days in week No. 12, where teachers, invited lecturers and the students present selected themes and papers.
• Each student have to present a scientific paper. This will be graded Pass/Fail.
• The students are expected to have an active participation.

Exam information

The student must pass the presentation of a scientific paper, and the commenting on another students work, to enter the final exam. There will be two home exams where the students has to write a theoretical essay and a practical essay (case study). At least one of these has to include references from the extra-litterature. In addition there will be a final oral examination. The home exam and the oral examination are weighted 40/60.

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Assessment and grading

Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation of this course

Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of this course, a so called "periodic evaluation".

Periodic evaluation was done Spring 2011.

Other information

The course is held if 3 or more students show up for the first lecture.

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