Advanced Project Course in Ecosystem Service Valuation, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Industrial Engineering and Management - International, M Sc in Engineering
• Industrial Engineering and Management, M Sc in Engineering

Entry requirements

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.

Prerequisites

(valid for students admitted to programmes within which the course is offered)
Ecology and the Environment. The course is a course within the master prophile ”Biotechnology”.

Note: Admission requirements for non-programme students usually also include admission requirements for the programme and threshhold requirements for progression within the programme, or corresponding.

Intended learning outcomes

Ecosystem services is defined as the goods and services that intact ecosystems provide for free to the society. The course will give knowledge and understanding in how such ecosystem services can be estimated economically.
After the course, the student should be able to:

• identify different ecosystem services for a given site, and evaluate how they are affected by different land uses, by applying knowledge of ecological principles behind ecosystem services. Describe different processes, dynamics and functionality of ecosystems.
• analyze and discuss threats and vulnerability to be able to secure important ecosystem services
• make an economic evaluation and quantification of ecosystem services for a given place and business
• independently choose and critically analyze the content in relevant scientific literature and relate this to the given subject
• create a project plan and run a project in a group
• criticize and evaluate its own and other students work
• communicate the project orally and in text

Course content

The project consist of a case in which ecosystem services are identified and evaluated. The project is presented in a written report and is discussed during a seminar. In connection to the seminar, the students will act as opponents, in text as well orally, on other projects. The lectures and seminars will be based on ecological processes and ecosystem services and focus upon how potential threats against ecosystem services can be identified and evaluated.

Teaching and working methods

The course is based on two parts. The student works in groups on a project based upon a given case. In parallel, there are lectures and seminars that connects to relevant parts in the case. It is expected that the students takes a large own responsibility for the quality of the case project.
 

Examination

Grades

Department

Director of Studies or equivalent

Examiner

Education components