About this course

Landscape architects and planners have a lot of influence on the spatial patterns in the landscape. These patterns are of relevance for, among others, distribution and occurrence of many species (including alien species), and people's perception, experience and use of the landscape. Knowledge about landscape composition and processes is thus very important for sustainable landscape management.

This course introduces students to landscape-ecological concepts through literature, aerial photos, map data and small exercises. Students will learn, among others, about patches and their characteristics such as size, shape and edge, about heterogeneity, barriers and corridors and about how landscape patterns affect populations and communities. Students will learn about the ecological effects of different landscape processes, such as habitat fragmentation, and about measuring and quantifying landscape.

The role of landscape ecology in planning and management will be taught through lectures, discussions and own projects on different scales. These projects exemplify landscape-ecological concepts using specific examples related to background theories and course literature and explore challenges and alternative solutions.

Learning outcome

1. Knowledge Students gain knowledge about landscape ecology’s background and historical development, important concepts, central topics for landscape ecological analysis and important landscape processes and functions. Students gain an understanding of the way landscape ecologists perceive landscape - as different elements located within a matrix. Moreover, students gain an understanding of how landscape changes can become very important for possibilities to preserve species diversity.

2. Skills Students are able to carry out a landscape ecological analysis based on mapped data and aerial photographs and use tools, data sources and scientific literature. Students are able to find solutions for landscape planning challenges taking the departure in landscape ecological principles and to show an understanding of the limitations to generalize solutions for one type of landscape.

3. General competence Students have an understanding of landscape ecological challenges, the role of landscape architects and spatial planners for landscape changes and of the importance to work interdisciplinary. Students can compile and present their analyses and argument for their suggested solutions.

  • Learning activities

    Students work in different groups on exercises and assignments of differing complexity and extent throughout the course. In addition, there are weekly lectures and two full-day excursions. Students are expected to read scientific literature, and to present and discuss their work.

  • Teaching support

    Feedback on assignments. Supervision possible outside lecturing hours, but on appointment.

  • Syllabus

    The curriculum will be announced at the beginning of the course.

  • Prerequisites

    Relevant bachelor

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment

    • Term paper (English) 40 %
    • Three multiple choice tests (English) each counting 20 %


    Multiple Choice test 1 Grading: Letter grades Multiple Choice test 2 Grading: Letter grades Multiple Choice test 3 Grading: Letter grades Term paper Grading: Letter grades Oral exam Grading: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    K2: Obligatory activities: AI can be used as a source of inspiration and for improving language quality. In case AI is used, its usage should be briefly explained, and information about the programs that have been used should be stated. The students are responsible for the final content of the assignments after quality checking the language.

    Portfolio: AI can be used as a source of inspiration and for improving language quality. In case AI is used, its usage should be briefly explained and information about the programs that have been used should be included. The students are responsible for the final content of the term paper after quality checking the language.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner approves the assessment scheme of the course.

  • Mandatory activity

    80 % attendance/participation

    Assignments must have been completed

    Participation in both excursions

  • Teaching hours

    ca. 70 hours lectures, excursions, exercises

  • Preferential right

    M-LA 4. year and M-GLA

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse).