Urban Ecology and Nature Based Solutions
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Course code
MLJ7046.LT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Linnaökoloogia ja looduspõhised lahendused
Course title in English
Urban Ecology and Nature Based Solutions
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester
Piret Vacht (language of instruction:Estonian)
lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To give a overview of urban ecology principles, modern research fields and to aid students in noting possible knowledge gaps. To support understanding of urban ecosystems, the role of urban ecosystems in providing ecosystem services. To guide students in understanding the mutual effects of humans and urban nature. To support noticing biodiversity in urban areas, describing it and supporting solutions that support biodiversity. To develop critical thinking skills in analysing urban ecological developments. To introduce ecological planning methods and their applications. To give an overview of urban ecosystem management methods. To develop understanding on the conditions of urban biodiversity and communities and the factors influencing it based on case studies.
Brief description of the course
Topics that will be addressed: Urban ecology, urban ecosystem, urban landscape development, urban climate, urban heat island effect, air quality, urban water system, urban soil, urban metabolism, urban vegetations, urban communities, ruderal communities, invasive species, challenges of the anthropocene, various groups of organisms in urban areas, biodiversity in urban areas, effects of pets on wildlife in cities, artificial habitats, SUDS, attitudes and awareness towards biodiversity in cities, biodiversity related conflicts, nature protection and conservation in urban areas, recreational activities in relation to urban nature, strategic levels of nature protection in urban areas, planning a biodiverse city, ecological planning, urban gardening, management of urban ecosystems. Case studies.

Field excursions (3) are conducted in Tallinn and they consist of observations, determination of key species, recognizing important habitat types and describing the representativeness of community structure. The exact times of the excursions are agreed upon at the end of the course as they depend also on the weather - they usually take place in the end of May or beginning of June. One excursions focuses on plant communities, one on urban wildlife habitats and birds, one on bats. If a student is unable to participate in the excursion/s the student must write a report on one urban species or group of organisms and how to improve their life in urban ecosystem (3000 ± 200 words, if absent from one excursion only the number or words can be reduced to 50%, if absent from two the report must be written 100%).
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- describes urban ecology as a research field, grasp generally the modern research topics of this field and also some of the main knowledge gaps;
- describes urban ecosystems;
- distinquish urban ecosystems from natural ecosystems by their main properties
- understanda urban ecosystem and the functioning of its components, linkages between those components, and also the role of nature based solutions in the functioning of urban/human-ecosystems
- understands the role of green spaces in urban ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide;
- names species typical of urban habitats and describe their habitat requirements in urban environment;
- describes the interactions between urban biodiversity and humans;
- analyses critically whether urban ecosystems are in accordance with sustainable (ecological) planning principles and offers solutions (nature based solutions) to improve their design / implement sustainable (ecological) planning principles to enhance the resilience of those areas;
- to determine ecological research problems in the context of urban ecosystems;
- appy methods necessary for urban ecological research;
- understands the management principles of urban ecosystems (and urban nature conservation / protection areas);
Teacher
PhD Piret Vacht, MSc Meelis Uustal, biol.kand.Tiina Elvisto
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