Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LK0347 Studio - Urban ecology for landscape architecture, 15.0 Credits

Studio - Urbanekologi för landskapsarkitektur

Subjects

Landscape Architecture

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Written exam (individual work)	7.0	0006
Overall program (group work)	2.0	0007
Overall program (group work)	6.0	0008

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 with a minimum of 90 credits in landscape architecture and/or architecture and/or landscape planning and/or spatial planning and/or built environment, and knowledge equivalent to English 6, or admitted to the Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Masters Programme.

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to develop theoretical and practical knowledge of urban ecology in designing sustainable landscapes.

Knowledge and understanding

After the course, the student will be able to:

• explain the theoretical foundation of urban ecology and its application in landscape architecture practice.

• present knowledge from examples of implemented ecological landscape architecture projects in Sweden and internationally.

Competence and skills

After the course, the student will be able to:

• apply key urban ecological theories into a landscape architecture design concept.

• design projects based on ecological solutions and urban biodiversity that includes a human and cultural perspective at overall and detailed level in the landscape.

• communicate complex interdisciplinary design solutions through successful visual and verbal methods.

Judgement and approach

After the course, the student will be able to:

• reflect on ecological values in relation to the practice of landscape architecture and sustainable development.

• critically asses contemporary landscape architecture projects based on established ecological requirements.

Content

The course consists of lectures, seminars and studio projects and have two parts. One theoretical that cover terminology and main aspects of landscape and urban ecology and principles of ecological design. The other applying these knowledges in real case situations.

The students discuss and works with a broad range of aspects in the field such as landscape patterns and environmental processes, disturbance, succession, fragmentation, biodiversity, ecosystem services, technical solutions for low impact design and long term management.

The students produce conceptual strategies and ecological design solutions in groups on an overall level, such as dealing with green-blue structures on an urban-rural scale. Individually, the students continue designing on detailed levels that are important for urban development, such as an urban district or a city block. The different proposals will be based on real case, on site, scenarios in Sweden. Themes can shift between years and deal with housing, recreation, communication, health, trade etc.

Field trips around Uppsala and a longer trip in Sweden or neighboring countries provides important insights in how ecological design principles can be implemented.

Project work, seminars, exercises, field trips and activities connected to them are compulsory.

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

Passed project work and passed individual assignments as well as passed participation in compulsory activities.

• 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.

Additional information

The course gives 15 credits of skill training.

Travel costs within the course are financed by the student. Information about costs will be available at the course homepage 4 weeks before course start.

The course makes an exemption from SLU's admission regulations following decision: SLU.ua.2025.1.1-508

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development