Syllabus

BI0872 Wildlife Biology, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Prior knowledge

Objectives

To supply qualified knowledge on Scandinavian wildlife ecology and management, including research and monitoring methods, species biology, wildlife damage, ecological processes and management strategies. The course focuses on applied ecological aspects related to management, conservation, hunting and land use and acknowledge both ecological theory and practical issues.

After completion of the course, the students should be able to;

• describe the general ecology of Swedish wildlife (large herbivores, small game species with cyclic population dynamics, and medium sized to large carnivores).

• account for management strategies of both hunted and protected species, as well as wildlife damage.

• exemplify and summarize common methods within wildlife research and methods used to obtain input data for the management.

• have a basic understanding how population models and monitoring data can be used in management decisions.

• be familiar with common topics in wildlife biology and know where and how further knowledge could be found, e.g. from the scientific and management literature.

• summarize and assess the varying kind of knowledge (ecological, sociological, economic etc.) needed to develop management plans.

Content

The course consists of lectures, exercises, group and individual projects, educational visits and excursions. The first part of the course concerns methods used in wildlife research and management, that are demonstrated and practiced in the field. The second part of the course is a survey of Swedish wildlife species and their ecology, natural dynamics and regulation, and habitat utilization etc. The third part of the course deals with management scenarios and real-world problems, land use, wildlife damage, wildlife research, administration and laws concerning Swedish wildlife management and conservation.

The project topics are chosen within the subject areas of the course to enable the students to broaden their knowledge. The group projects include field studies.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examinations, written reports and oral presentations of the projects

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.

• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.

• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but 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 more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Responsible department

Department of Ecology