Management of biodiversity and multifunctional landscapes

 

Stage of studies: Master, 2-year full-time

 

General introduction: Concern over the environment and its quality for the future generations is a driving force in search for new, sustainable management models for ecosystems and landscapes. Essential ecological, economic and social factors in biodiversity and landscape planning are discussed in the frame of the course.

 

The Aim: to educate well-trained specialists in biodiversity, management of multifunctional landscapes and natural resources.

 

The students study the relations of human activity and nature taking into consideration the principles of ecosystem approach and sustainability. The students learn how to avoid and mitigate the depletion and destruction of ecosystems and landscapes, and as a last resort how to restore integrity of various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

 

Learning outcomes:

Graduate:
·        has systematic overview and deep knowledge about different terrestrial and water ecosystems and their functioning mechanisms;

·        has systematic overview and deep knowledge about different landscapes and their formation;

·        has systematic overview and deep knowledge about biodiversity, ecosystems and landscape terminology, theories and study methods;

·        has systematic overview and deep knowledge about human impact on biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes;

·        can evaluate and consider processes in human society when planning and managing processes in ecosystems and landscapes;

·        knows fundamentals of sustainable use of natural resources and is able to apply his/her knowledge in planning and management;

·        has systematic and deep knowledge about management of ecosystems,  avoiding problems and as a last resort - restoring ecosystems;

·        is able independently obtain and critically evaluate knew information in their field;

·        can use methods of statistical analysis and modelling;

·        can express himself/herself in particular field both for experts and for public and is able to guide acquirement of environmental knowledge and expertise;

·        can present results in written form and in public presentation;

·        can continue its studies on doctoral level;

·        can take responsibility working as environmental expert or a manager of particular field in a public or private sector in national and international organisations;

·        is able for team work and joint action;

·        appreciates ethics and public role of its field.

 

Programme structure: The programme consists of three modules and writing of masters’ thesis.

Basic module (24 ECTS). The aim of the basic module is to provide knowledge of primary subjects. After completing basic module student:

·        understands methodology of scientific research, science philosophy, scientific thinking and ethics;

·        can present their results in academic and popular scientific styles in written form and oral presentation;

·        knows how geographical information systems can be used to collect and analyse environmental information;

·        can use methods of statistical analysis and modelling;

·        knows environmental philosophy, legislation and corresponding terminology.

 

 

Ecosystems module (27 ECTS). The aim of the basic module is to provide systematic overview of different ecosystems and their components. After completing ecosystems module student:

·        knows biodiversity, its components, evolution and factors influencing it;

·        knows systematic overview of different communities, ecosystems, landscapes and their formation;

·        knows natural processes, human impact and their interaction in communities and ecosystems;

·        has systematic overview of global changes and its impact on different ecosystems and landscapes.

 

Application module (34 ECTS). The aim of the application module is to provide systematic knowledge in planning and management of use of different ecosystems and landscapes. After completing application module student:

·        knows principles of planning and management of use of different ecosystems and landscapes;

·        knows environmental legislation and policies;

·        has overview of conservation biology, environmental economy and environmental ethics;

·        knows, is able to manage and resolve problems in assessment of environmental impact;

·        knows and is able to manage environmental monitoring;

·        knows ecological restoration of different ecosystems and environmental technologies;

·        is able to plan and manage nature education

·        is able to lead environmental projects.

 

Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). The aim of the master’s thesis is to provide experience for independent study, presentation of the results in written form and oral presentation and ability to argue results in discussions.

 

Optional subjects (8 ECTS)

Optional subjects provide students withe the opportunity to broaden their knowledge taking into account students’ individual development and intellectual interest.

 

Studies are mainly carried out at the EMU in cooperation with other universities and foreign teachers. A relatively large proportion of the curriculum is dedicated to practice, workshops, lab analyses, e-learning and case studies.

 

Programme duration: the average period of study lasts for four semesters. The programme cycle starts in the fall of each year at the beginning of October.

 

Degree:  Master of Science (Natural Sciences) - MSc

 

Career opportunities: there will be a brisk demand for graduates of this program as specialists in environmental institutions (ministries concerned with the management of natural resources, nature protection agencies, private companies), who can also work as teachers, educators and researchers.

 

Language: English

Deadline for application: July 13

Tuition fee: 2000 EUR (31300 EEK) per year

 

For more detailed information on the MSc degree programme and entry requirements, please contact:

 

Department of Academic Affairs

Eesti Maaülikool (Estonian University of Life Sciences)

Kreutzwaldi 1

Tartu EE-51014

Estonia

tel.  +372 7 313 020

fax  +372 7 422 862

kylli.korgesaaremu.ee

 

Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Eesti Maaülikool (Estonian University of Life Sciences)

Kreutzwaldi 1

Tartu EE-51014

Estonia

urmas.tartesemu.ee

Estonian University of Life Sciences
Kreutzwaldi 1 Tartu 51014, Estonia; phone +372 731 3001, fax +372 731 3068, e-mail: infoemu.ee