About this course

Human development and wellbeing depend on well-functioning ecosystems. This dependency has become increasingly apparent with the rapid destruction and degradation of ecosystems and their delivery of services. A global engagement is now in motion to improve this situation. This course introduces the philosophies, ecological principles, economics, practical activities, and multidisciplinary aspects involved with ecological restoration. Examples from alpine environments, wetlands, rivers, lakes and streams, coastal systems, forests, and the reintroduction of species are included. Theoretical and practical aspects are discussed within the context of real-life examples from ongoing projects. The course also introduces key human issues involved and tools for designing and performing restoration projects in degraded nature, including issues associated with the United Nations "Sustainable Development Goals" nr 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, og 15.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

Students will gain knowledge about how to evaluate, understand and apply ecological principles towards actions aimed at returning degraded ecosystems back into dynamic, self-functioning systems. This knowledge is transferable til issues associated with the United Nations "Sustainable Development Goals" nr 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, og 15.

Skills:

The student will be able to identify ecosystem degradation, prepare restoration goals and objectives, evaluate and propose specific actions, including social and economic issues, and produce a restoration plan for a given site from an assortment of environments.

General Competence:

The student will after the course be able to address challenges and multidisciplinary aspects, as well as apply ecological theories and practical techniques central in the field of restoration ecology. Writing and presenting a restoration proposal will also provide students with experience and competency in developing a project, preparing professional tender, proposal and application for funding.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, student presentations, mandatory work assignments, fieldtrip and term paper (prepare and present a restoration plan for a degraded site).

  • Teaching support

    The students can seek academic guidance from course teachers during office hours.

  • Syllabus

    Articles, books and reports from the literature will be provided.

  • Prerequisites

    Ecology courses at intermediate level.

  • Assessment method

    The course is evaluated based on a term paper assignment, which is prepared and presented as a restoration plan for a degraded site.

    Term paper Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

    Term paper assignment: K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Mandatory activity: K1 - No use of AI

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    Term paper assignments will be evaluated by an experienced external examiner and the course director.

  • Mandatory activity

    Presentations, work assignments and fieldtrip. Work assignments are mandatory home assignments with questions from the lectures that you need to hand in and get approved before you can hand in your term paper.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures, work assignments, fieldtrip, presentations and group work: 30 hours.

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science