Admission requirements
This course is for MSc students in Biology.
Description
The course “Orientation on Biodiversity and Sustainability” offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the field central to this specialisation with emphasis on those aspects for which the three Leiden partner institutes (IBL, CML, and Naturalis) are particularly strong, namely: (1) biodiversity assessments; (2) macroecology and hotspots of biodiversity; (3) ecosystem services and sustainability; and (4) human impacts on biodiversity, such as pollution and species invasions. The lectures and practicals will be given by a broad range of scientists from all three institutes, and will all refer to research carried out in this field. There will also be several opportunities to interact socially with classmates and instructors. Students will receive lectures to get an overview on these topics as well as to gain insights in possible thesis topics. These lectures provide – in combination with field visits to research facilities - the inspiration for student groups to work on a research pitch. When students present their ideas, feedback will be given on the formulation of research questions and the links to the potential (experimental/sampling) design and data analysis methods. In combination, this will prepare the students for the MSc specialization on biodiversity and sustainability.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
· Describe basic scientific concepts, key questions and used methodology of research fields that are associated with the specialization and explain how these fields may be integrated in biological research. · Explain which research field(s) or combination of fields they find most interesting. · Formulate specific ideas about research groups or researchers they would like to approach to enquire about a research project. · Define personal aims and plans for their MSc study and possibly for a future career. · Recognize and appreciate the interests and expertise of fellow students in this specialization. · Design and pitch a scientific research idea
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
By lectures, feedback sessions, field visits and self-study
Assessment method
Students will develop a potential research idea tailored to their specialization and present this in a concise 5-minute pitch. Grading is based on the following criteria: the presentation must encompass an overview of the topic and its fundamental concept, a clearly articulated scientific research question and/or hypothesis including the rationale for this choice, potential research methods to address the research question, prospects for application, and key literature references. The participants for excursions, who’s who event and research pitch seminars are obligatory.
The final assessment consists of the following partial components:
- Research pitch: 100%
Minimum grade:
Courses require a minimum, unrounded 5.5 grade to complete.
If a course has 2 or more written partial exams, the minimum grade only applies to the weighted average of the exams.
For partial grades from components other than exams (e.g. practicals, seminars, writing assignments), the bottom grade does apply to the individual components.
Please refer to the Student Charter for an overview of regulations.
Reading list
n.a.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Coordinator: Dr. Y. Si
Email: y.si@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.