Wildlife biology
If questions about the course, contact wb.grimso@slu.se.
The Wildlife Biology course supplies students with a solid foundation in ecology and management of Scandinavian wildlife, including species biology, wildlife damage, management strategies (local and national), the organization of Swedish wildlife administration, research and monitoring methods, and insights into ongoing wildlife research. The main focus of the course is on applied issues but theoretical aspects of wildlife ecology are also addressed. Methods used in research and management of Scandinavian wildlife (for example animal capture, population monitoring and genetics) are explained and practised. The use of population modelling, monitoring data, effects of uncertainty etc. in forecasting the effects of management decisions are explained within an adaptive management framework.
Wildlife Biology is given by the Department of Ecology at Grimsö Wildlife Research Station and includes lectures, exercises, group and individual projects, field practices, excursions, and literature studies. The course is tightly connected to research and important field techniques used at Grimsö, including the Wildlife Damage Centre. Real-world problems are presented at lectures and exercises led by researcher and field technicians at Grimsö, and staff from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the County Board Administrations, the Reindeer Husbandry, and the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management.
Housing is available (student price) at Grimsö for all students on the course.
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for BI0872
Academic year 2024/2025
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10181)
2024-09-02 - 2024-10-31
Academic year 2023/2024
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10456)
2023-08-28 - 2023-10-30
Academic year 2022/2023
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10106)
2022-08-29 - 2022-10-31
Academic year 2021/2022
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10315)
2021-08-30 - 2021-11-01
Academic year 2020/2021
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10290)
2020-08-31 - 2020-11-01
Academic year 2019/2020
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10086)
2019-09-02 - 2019-10-31
Academic year 2018/2019
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10099)
2018-09-03 - 2018-11-11
Academic year 2017/2018
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10151)
2017-08-28 - 2017-11-05
Academic year 2016/2017
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10268)
2016-08-29 - 2016-11-06
Academic year 2015/2016
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10016)
2015-08-31 - 2015-11-01
Academic year 2014/2015
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10169)
2014-09-01 - 2014-11-09
Academic year 2013/2014
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10312)
2013-09-02 - 2013-11-10
Academic year 2012/2013
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10185)
2012-09-03 - 2012-11-11
Academic year 2011/2012
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10034)
2011-08-29 - 2011-11-06
Academic year 2010/2011
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10108)
2010-08-30 - 2010-11-07
Academic year 2009/2010
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10175)
2009-08-31 - 2009-11-08
Academic year 2008/2009
Wildlife biology (BI0872-10116)
2008-08-25 - 2008-10-26
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI0872 Wildlife biology, 15.0 Credits
ViltbiologiSubjects
BiologyEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0401 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
The equivalent of 120 credits including 90 credits in biology of which 10 credits in ecology.English B (Swedish secondary school) or equivalent
Objectives
To supply qualified knowledge on Scandinavian wildlife ecology and management, including research and monitoring methods, species biology, wildlife damage, ecological processes and management strategies. The course focuses on applied ecological aspects related to management, conservation, hunting and land use and acknowledge both ecological theory and practical issues.
After completion of the course, the students should be able to;
describe the general ecology of Swedish wildlife (large herbivores, small game species with cyclic population dynamics, and medium sized to large carnivores).
account for management strategies of both hunted and protected species, as well as wildlife damage.
exemplify and summarize common methods within wildlife research and methods used to obtain input data for the management.
have a basic understanding how population models and monitoring data can be used in management decisions.
be familiar with common topics in wildlife biology and know where and how further knowledge could be found, e.g. from the scientific and management literature.
summarize and assess the varying kind of knowledge (ecological, sociological, economic etc.) needed to develop management plans.
Content
The course consists of lectures, exercises, group and individual projects, educational visits and excursions. The first part of the course concerns methods used in wildlife research and management, that are demonstrated and practiced in the field. The second part of the course is a survey of Swedish wildlife species and their ecology, natural dynamics and regulation, and habitat utilization etc. The third part of the course deals with management scenarios and real-world problems, land use, wildlife damage, wildlife research, administration and laws concerning Swedish wildlife management and conservation.
The project topics are chosen within the subject areas of the course to enable the students to broaden their knowledge. The group projects include field studies.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed written examinations, written reports and oral presentations of the projects
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible department
Department of Ecology