6 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 1023751BNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.

Semester
1st and 2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Biology
Educational team
Bram Vanschoenwinkel (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
8 contact hours Lecture
42 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
42 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

In this course, students are introduced to the most important ecosystems in Belgium and their typical fauna and flora, the factors that threaten these biota and the management practices used to preserve this biodiversity. These ecosystems include different types of forests, grasslands, dunes and heathland, rivers, lakes and ponds. In addition, the students are introduced to the most important international treaties, and relevant legislation that is linked to nature conservation in Belgium (e.g.  Natura 2000 network, EU Habitats Directive, EU Water Framework Directive, Flemish Nature Decree and “Soortenbesluit”). The course consists of a limited set of lectures (HOC), practical sessions on species identification in different groups of organisms and field excursions in Belgium (WPO) as well as an individual assignment (ZELF).   

Additional info

Study material

- Powerpoint slides of the lectures (available on CANVAS)
- A set of relevant articles on biodiversity and nature conservation in Belgium (available on CANVAS)

 

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

The student:

  • Is able to use identification keys to identify the main groups of animals and plants in Belgium. Taxonomic resolution will depend on the considered group.
  • Is able to recognize a few hundred indigenous plants, animals and fungi based on photographs and/or preserved samples.
  • Knows the most important indigenous ecosystems and habitat types, their typical species, threats and management practices.
  • Is familiar with a set of common sampling and monitoring techniques for different groups of fauna and flora.
  • Knows the purpose and implications of the most important treaties and legislation that affects nature conservation in Belgium.

The purpose of the course is to provide students a critical body of knowledge and insights that can facilitate a professional career that involves nature conservation, management, monitoring and reporting. Although the geographic scope of the course is Belgium, much of the insights that are generated are generic and relevant beyond the Belgian borders. First and foremost, in the EU where the same habitat types can be found that are subjected to the same European legislation.   

 

 

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 40% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Written exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 60% of the final mark.

    Note: Written exam

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Permanent evaluation with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 40% of the final mark.

    Note: Permanent evaluation

Additional info regarding evaluation

Evaluation is based on the following components
-    Permanent evaluation (40%)
-    A written examination (60%)
Students have to pass both components (at least 10/20) in order to be able to pass this course.
The examination can only be attempted by students who have actively participated in all WPO activities including the excursions.

 

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biology: Default track (only offered in Dutch)