integration of sustainability in the master program ”biodiversity and nature protection” &...
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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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 3
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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 4
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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 5
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
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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?
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
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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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 8
Module C: “Applied Ecology” Basic supporting courses
Integrated Environmental Management Computer Technologies in Ecology and Nature
management (including GIS) Urban Ecology Environmental Psychology
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 9
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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
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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
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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!
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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
ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004
IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability 13
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