3 ECTS credits
75 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4020582FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
We live in a world where humans are having profound impacts on the global environment. Climate is warming, the populations of many species are in decline, eutrophication is affecting ecosystems and human health, and human societies now face new risks in terms of food security and natural disturbances. Using case studies, this course will illustrate the concepts of key drivers of global change and the impact on human society and ecological systems. Guest speakers from various professional sectors which are experts in their respective domains illustrate their specific view and approach of the problem.
Content:
Examples of case studies - drivers of global change:
Impact on human society and ecological systems:
- Group assignment on a case study based on reading assignments: the students prepare in group a presentation on 3-4 pre-selected scientific papers and give their view on the presented global change.topic.
Course material
Course text (Required): All power point slides used will be made available and should be complemented with individual notes.
Selected scientific articles from peer reviewed journals will be made available.
This course explicitly contributes to the following competences of the curriculum
(as defined by the Biology Department of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel):
to have a broad knowledge on human-environment interactions with a focus on biodiversity and biological resources in human-altered ecosystems.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
PRAC Presentation determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Presentation category, the following assignments need to be completed:
.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Human Ecology
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Brussels
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Paris
Master of Biology: AR Human Ecology 60 ECTS
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems, start at Cayenne