Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1GV104
- Code
- 1GV104
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Environmental Science G1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 30 January 2019
- Responsible department
- Department of Earth Sciences
Entry requirements
General entry requirements and Mathematics 3b/3c, Science Studies 2, Social Studies 1b/1a1+1a2 or Mathematics C, Science Studies B, Civics A
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing the course the student can:
- describe the classifications of natural resources and ecosystem services
- summarize the occurrence and distribution of important renewable natural resources and ecosystem services
- summarize the relationship between biological diversity, natural resources and ecosystem services
- describe how ecological and biogeochemical structures, functions and processes generate different types of renewable natural resources and ecosystem services
- describe the importance of ecosystem services for societal development
- describe issues of social justice in the context of resource use and sustainable development in a ever more globalized world
- demonstrate ability to use basic oral and written presentation techniques
Content
The course has a special focus on natural resources and ecosystem services and its relevance for sustainable development. The course describes the classification, occurrence and distribution of natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and ecosystem services (supporting, supplying, regulating and cultural). Ecological and biogeochemical structures, functions and processes which are the base for renewable natural resources and ecosystem services are also studied. The relationship between biological diversity, natural resources and ecosystem services is introduced and discussed. A geographical perspective of social justice issues in connection with natural resource usage is addressed in a globalization context. Particular weight is placed on highlighting ecosystem services' importance for sustainable socioeconomic development. Group project work focusing on different ecosystem service categories are conducted.
Instruction
The teaching forms for this course consist of lectures, exercises, literature seminars and project work.
Assessment
Seminars (3 credits), written and oral presentations of project assignments (6 credits) and written examination (6 credits).