Integration of Sustainability in the Master Program ”Biodiversity and Nature Protection” & Reflection and outlook on developing Module C: Environmental

Integration of Sustainability in the Master Program

”Biodiversity and Nature Protection”&

Reflection and outlook on developing Module C: Environmental Management > Applied Ecology

ECODIV seminar, 25 April 2008, St. Petersburg

Ckees van Oijen, IVAM UvA BV

ECODIV projectCD JEP-25246-2004

Who is afraid of Red, Green and Blue?

ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004

IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 2

It is a widely accepted notion among painters that it does not matter what one paints as long as it is well painted. This is the essence of academicism.

There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing.

Who is afraid of Red, Green and Blue?Barnett Newman, Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III, 1966/67



What should we teach in Applied Ecology?

Sustainability? Integrated Environmental Management?

General notions, concepts and approaches: People, PLANET & Prosperity Characterizing environmental problems … Understanding cause-effect relations in:

Physical context Normative context



Knowledge & skills for multi-disciplinary cooperation:

What competences do STUDENTS have?

What competences do professionals need?

Solid knowledge and skills of their own discipline / field Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary team work from their own discipline Attitude to think beyond borders of the own discipline Understanding of basic terms and concepts of other disciplines

Ability to translate societal questions in scientific studies Ability to translate scientific results in policy and management



Master of Science Program “Biodiversity & Nature Protection”

St. Petersburg State University(Initial work version 2006)

Basic general courses – 15 ECTS credits1. Nature protection and biodiversity – 62. Population biology – 43. Regional Biota and Ecosystems - 5

Basic special courses – 36 ECTS credits1. Basic level courses - 212. Applied level courses - 15

Free choice inter-module courses – totally 6 ECTS or more (course lists in Module A and Module B independently)

Basic supporting courses – 15 ECTS credits1. Information and communication technology in study process

(individual plan of study preparing) – 32. Integrated environmental management – 33. Computer technologies in ecology and nature management

(GIS in environmental studies including) – 3 4. Environmental psychology – 3 5. Ecological engineering – 3

Supervised project – 9 ECTS credits

Module A : Sustainable coastal zone management

Module B : Sustainable forestry

Module C : Sustainable cities

Free choice common courses - totally 9 ECTS credits or more1. Ecological modeling2. Urban ecology3. Oil pollution4. Other courses, each of them is estimated in 3 ECTS credits

Thesis work – 30 ECTS credits

AQUATIC ECOLOGY TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY

PRACTICE

APPLIEDSCIENCE

BASICSCIENCE

“Module C”

Module A Module B

SCZM9

Sustainable forestry

9

Basic supporting сourses15

Free choiceinter-module courses

6

Free choiceinter-module courses

6Basic general

courses15Basic special

courses 36

Basic special courses

36

Modules and blocks

Free choice common courses 9

Sustainable cities9



Core Courses

Introduction to the Master program Common special courses

What has been taught on sustainability & environmental sciences in the BSc?

What should still be included on sustainability & environmental management?



Specializations Module A & Module BAquatic Ecology or Terrestrial Ecology

Compulsory courses Research project Optional courses

Supervised project: A or C & B or C Science applied in professional practice Problem-solving oriented Local and regional cases



Module C: “Applied Ecology” Basic supporting courses

Integrated Environmental Management Computer Technologies in Ecology and Nature

management (including GIS) Urban Ecology Environmental Psychology



Module C: “Applied Ecology” Common optional courses

Ecological Issues in Environmental Science

Ecological Modeling Risk Assessment for

Environment Ecological Basis for Cultural

Heritage Protection Urban Green Environment

Population Biology

Population and conservation in Marina Mammals

Applied Demographic Methods in Population Biology

Molecular Ecology Lab Key Habitats Inventory



Module C: “Applied Ecology” or “Environmental Management”?

Again on the supervised project: What is the problem? … And, Why? What is the solution? … And, Why?

Attention for:

Treatment,

Mitigation

Prevention

Attention for:

Legal / Institutional aspects

Socio-Economic issues

Policy and Management



Reflection Some evaluative questions

Does ECODIV … offer a balanced curriculum? integrate sustainability in education? offer an interesting choice for students? educate specialists that meet future market

needs? graduates have an added value to society? offer an added value to students? need further development?

6x … to a certain degree: YES! 6x … to a certain degree: YES!



Outlook for the next 3-5 years

Recommendations and challenges:

Pay attention to communication and coordination of activities

Involve staff, students, alumni and stakeholders in evaluation

Increase the number of invited speakers and practice oriented elements

Reconsider selection of courses (EIA?) & compulsory or optional status

Add program elements with staff and students from other faculties

Increase experiments with interdisciplinary teamwork



AISHE: Auditing Instrument for Sustainability in Higher Education

Outcome of an AISHE audit:

Insight into the state of the art of the integration of sustainable development into curricula

At least 20 substantial targets for quality improvement

Support by teachers and students to integrate principles of sustainable development into education

Some features: Plan, Do, Act and Check approach Table of aspects of internal environmental management Downloadable leaflets, book and software at:

www.dho.nl/AISHE

http://www.dho.nl/AISHE

http://www.dho.nl/AISHE

Documents

Integration of Sustainability in the Master Program ”Biodiversity and Nature Protection” & Reflection and outlook on developing Module C: Environmental