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In this course, we will study how changes in the landscape affect ecosystems and species distribution, how the composition, structure and function of the landscape change and how humans manage landscapes. Landscape ecology with its focus on spatial patterns is important for various conservation issues, as the course highlights.

The course starts with a theoretical block where landscape ecological concepts and theories are presented. Furthermore, different approaches to gathering field data at the landscape level are compared. The course addresses the basics of GIS and remote sensing for application in landscape ecology and addresses relevant regulations related to landscape ecological issues.
A large part of the course is devoted to conducting a landscape ecological study project. In groups, students collect landscape ecological data using GIS and then compile a report that is presented in groups. To gain a deeper understanding, students will read and critically review scientific articles and chapters from the course book that will be discussed in seminar groups.

The course structure consists of:
- a theoretical part where the teaching method is lectures on selected parts of the course literature
- practical exercises and an excursion
- literature seminars where selected parts of the course literature or scientific articles are discussed
- a project work in which landscape ecological data is processed, analyzed and reported orally and in writing
- an individual assignment on landscape ecological theories.

Progressive specialisation: A1N (has only first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Master's level

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.

This course is included in the following programme

• Master Programme in Biology: Ecology and Conservation Biology (studied during year 1)