Master's Degree Programme in Corporate Environmental Management

BENP1004 Biodiversity (5 cr)

Grading scale

0-5

Teaching languages

Finnish

Responsible person(s)

Atte Komonen

Learning outcomes

After the course, the students understand the complexity of the concept of biodiversity. The student will understand how the biotic and abiotic factors have affected and still affect the biodiversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at different scales. He/She is able to name and describe the main taxonomic entities and describe their typical morphological structures and life cycles. Students are able to explain what the classification of living is based, what are the challenges for classification, and is able to interpret the evolutionary history and ecology of organisms based on their morphology. He/She understands how human's affect biodiversity and what is the importance of biodiversity for humans. Students will understand how organisms' structure, function and life cycle expose them to environmental changes. After the assignments, students are able to use a microscope independently and master the basics of the processing of biological samples. The student masters the essential professional terminology.

Study methods

The course includes lectures (32 h), laboratory exercises (20 h) and a museum exercise. Lectures are not compulsory, but they help to understand the abstract concepts and carrying out the assignments. Laboratory exercises are mandatory. There is a preliminary examination, which required to participate in the labs, and a final exam.

Content

We will discuss the mechanisms involved in the evolution of biodiversity at a local and global scale. At the center is the theory of evolution, as well as the mechanisms that affect ecological communities. The course provides an overview of the various manifestations of diversity, such as morphology, functioning and life cycles, as well as taxonomic diversity. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises and assignments.