Admission requirements
Required course(s):
None.
Description
This is an introduction to the field of Environmental Science, with a focus on biodiversity. We will focus on how human disturbances affect individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Students will also learn which mechanisms organisms have developed to deal with these stressors.
In addition, we will discuss the key methods that are available to study environmental impacts (e.g., field, modelling and lab studies), to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of these tools when assessing environmental impacts.
Students will develop a population model, and use the model to assess impacts of anthropogenic stressors in the population of animals. Students will also conduct a research project, which includes basic study design and data collection. This way students gain theoretical insights in the classroom and apply it to a real-world case study.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students are able to:
Knowledge
Discuss and define important concepts in the field of environmental science;
Briefly describe major environmental processes related to biodiversity, and how these processes can be affected by human activity;
List and discuss human impacts on the environment, and describe how organisms and ecosystems can be affected by these impacts;
Describe and discuss different methods used in environmental science to determine impacts.
Skills
Develop a basic population model, and discuss strengths and shortcomings of the model;
Review literature and collect data for a field research project
Analyze and communicate research results in a scientific report and other formats
Collaboratively engage with the course content and link it to a real-world case study
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2025-2026 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
The main mode of instruction will center around lectures and discussions on current topics within environmental sciences. To facilitate completion of assignments, there will be some time set aside during lectures to discuss and work on assignments (the remainder of the work is conducted outside class hours). Attendance is compulsory for students.
Assessment Method
Population Model 40%
Field work and research 25%
Final exam: 25%
Participation: 10%
Reading list
Will be made available prior to the start of the class.
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Achim Häger, a.hager@luc.leidenuniv.nl (Block 3)
Dr. Caitlin Black, c.e.black@cml.leidenuniv.nl (Block 3)
Remarks
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