NBIC19	Nature Conservation in Practise, 15 ECTS-points /PRAKTISK NATURVÅRD/ Advancement level: C
	Aim: The aim of the course is for the students to acquire a knowledge in how to assess conservation values of nature areas, with indicator species as a tool, and to assess effects of pollution in running waters from urban and industrial activities. Other aims are to acquire a knowledge of documentation and following-up studies of conservation measures, and management of different natural ecosystems. The course focus on the ability to use the knowledge in practical fieldwork. Prerequisites: For biology program students: courses corresponding to the basic core with fulfilled "threshold" demands (passed 50p with a min of 25p theory). Passed exam in NBIB10 Floristics & Faunistics and NBIB08 Ecology. Course organization: The course consists of lectures, field excursions and group projects. The focus is on group projects in the field, with both oral exams in the field and written exams. The group projects consist of three shorter field works in different natural ecosystems, and a wider project with assessment of conservation values of a larger area. The group projects are based on real life scenarios. Full attendance is required, due to the predominance of practical exercises in the course. Course content: Assessment of conservation values and pollution levels in different environments, through inventories and evaluations of the species composition. Management of different types of nature, particularly meadows and pastures, forests and inland watercourses. Inventory methodology. History of land-use. EU grants in agriculture. Certification of forestry. Documentation and following-up studies of conservation measures. Interpretation of aerial photographs. Writing the biological part of an environmental impact assessment paper. Conservation work is discussed with biologists working in districts, county administrations, forestry administrations and as consultants. Course literature: Ekstam U & Forshed N. 1992. Om hävden upphör. SNV. From, J. & Delin, A. (red) 1997. Art- och biotopbevarande i skogen. Skogsvårdstyrelsen i Gävleborgs län. Compendium.
UPG1	Approved projects in the different natural ecosystem. 4 p
UPG2	Approved large field project. 4 p
ART1	Approved species test. 2 p

Course language is swedish.