Required in stage
Optional in stage
First term
Second term
Both terms
Not organised
This year
Next year
Alternating years
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Prerequisites
Language of instruction
Duration
Identical coursesGlobal Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability (B-KUL-G0R56A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Jacquemyn Hans (coordinator) | Honnay Olivier | Jacquemyn Hans | N. Aims
The student acquires detailed knowledge of the impact of global change on biotic and abiotic processes/interactions that drive the abundance and distribution of organisms in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The student obtains insight into the planetary boundaries within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come. The student gets acquainted with the newest developments in sustainable development and agriculture and with emerging technologies to conserve biodiversity. Focus will be on specific developments that aim at reducing the risks to human society of crossing important thresholds and that lead to sustainable food production without noticeable damage to the environment.
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of ecology and conservation biology
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
4 ects. Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability: Lectures (B-KUL-G0R56a)
Content
Current day impact on ecosystems and the Planetary Boundary framework
The value of nature (ecological, economic, cultural and social benefits of nature)
Global warming
Landscape alteration and ecological restoration – ecosystem engineering
Disruption of mutualisms and the pollinator crisis
Land sharing vs. land sparing
Ecological intensification and organic agriculture
Crop wild relatives
Fisheries
Sustainable aquaculture
Course material
Powerpoint slides available through TOLEDO
2 ects. Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability: Practicals (B-KUL-G0R57a)
Content
The practicals will consist of a series of seminars that will be taught by invited experts in the field of global change biology. The topics of the seminars will reflect contemporary issues in fundamental and applied research in global change biology.
Course material
Scientific papers
Format: more information
The practicum will consist of a series of seminars that will be taught by experts in the field of global change biology. The student will get acquainted with the topics by means of a literature review. Presence to the seminars is mandatory. The student is expected to discuss with the expert by means of critical reflections on the subject or by posing questions on the seminar. Afterwards the student writes down his personal reflections on the seminar and the subsequent discussion.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability (B-KUL-G2R56a)
Explanation
The theoretical exam consists of two parts (one per lecturer) of which one will be oral and one will be written, each part counts for 40% of the total score. The written reports of the seminars account for 20% of the total score. The student passes when the total score is at least 10 out of 20. Students that fail to submit a written report, will not be allowed to the final exam (NA).
Information about retaking exams
There will be no second evaluation moment for the practicals.