Tags
EES
Admissions requirements
None
Description
This is an introduction to the field of Environmental Science, with a focus on Ecosystems and Biodiversity. We will focus on how human disturbances affect individuals, populations, communities and even entire ecosystems. We will also learn which mechanisms organisms have developed to deal with these stressors.
In addition, we will discuss the key methods which 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 conduct a group research project, which includes data collection in the field. Students will conduct some basic analyses on the collected data and will discuss the results. This way students receive both theory in the classroom, and apply this knowledge during a research project.
Course objectives
Skills:
Develop a basic population model, and discuss strengths and shortcomings of the model;
Conduct a field study, write a report and give a presentation on the outcomes of the experiment.
Knowledge:
Discuss and define important concepts in the field of environmental sciences;
Briefly describe major environmental processes related to ecosystems and 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.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published in the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
The main mode of instruction will centre around lectures and discussions on current topics on environmental sciences. In addition, students are required to complete individual and group assignments. To facilitate completion of these 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
Modelling Assignment: 35%
Group Assignment: 30%
Final Exam: 35%
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
Will be made available prior to the start of the class.
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Thijs Bosker, t.bosker@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Alexander van Oudenhoven, a.p.e.van.oudenhoven@cml.leidenuniv.nl