3 ECTS credits
75 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016930FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
This course is an intensive short-course, in workshop format. Lectures will be interspersed with numerous discussions. Students will acquire a good understanding of the UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve Program, and how the Reserves serve as models to promote sustainable development in both developed and in particular developing countries linked to conservation goals. Students will learn about Biosphere Reserves in relation to history, legislation, and practice; stress will be placed on how the core, buffer and transitional zones of Reserves are differentiated and used to promote sustainable economics linked to local, societal and conservation needs. Capacity building of local people is strongly stressed.
A second facet will be in-classroom directed computer-based study by the students, where students will study selected Reserves (two Reserves per student) utilizing primarily existing Internet-based sources. During the latter part of the workshop (last two days of class), students will each make 25-minute presentations on their findings, followed by discussion. Students are to not just describe their selected Reserves, but most importantly are expected to analyze functionality of the Reserves according to the UNESCO mandates for successful Biosphere Reserves. A properly functioning Reserve should have functional core, buffer and buffer zones, and focus on three areas: sustainable development, conservation and logistics. Logistics includes education, outreach, training, networking, research and management detail.
Course material
Course text (Required): All power point slides used will be made available and should be complemented with individual notes.
This course explicitly contributes to the following competences of the curriculum
(as defined by the Biology Department of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel):
General
- to perform an extended literature study
- to present scientific results
- to understand how scientific research plays a role in society
Field specific
- knowledge on human-environment interactions with a focus on biodiversity
- critical analysis and discussion about the functionality of the Reserves
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 20% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 20% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Grading
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The examination will consist of a 25-minute Powerpoint presentation followed by 5-minute discussion.
The examination will take place during the workshop in presence of the coordinator.
Within the Paper category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The student will provide a written report about the selected Reserves. Students’ papers will be graded primarily on their analytical and evaluative approach, and not on their descriptions of the selected Reserves. The coordinator will set the deadline.
Additional info w.r.t. grading
An evaluation will be given on basis of individual achievements during the group discussions and on basis of an individual oral presentation and paper. The oral presentations precede the writing tasks and should serve as outlines for their papers they are to prepare.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences
Master of Biology: Human Ecology
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Biology: AR Human Ecology 60 ECTS