Ecology courses

Our society depends on plants, not only as the primary source of food and dominating role in ecosystems, but also as provider of commodities such as pharmaceuticals and building materials. In many ways plants are essential contributors to human well-being and health. Experimental Plant Sciences study the fundamental life processes of plants at different organisational levels, from molecules & cells to whole plants and ecosystems.

This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to learn about the different syndromes of soil degradation in different countries of the world and their consequences for people and the environment. Furthermore, solutions and sustainable management strategies are discussed.

The University of South Bohemia (Czech Republic), organizes a semester for Master and PhD students aiming to learn updated concepts and methodologies for Quantitative Ecology studies. Practical courses (using CANOCO, R etc.) will be complemented with a theoretical ecological background.

This course focuses on theoretical concepts and how these can be used to link communities to ecosystems in order to understand how environmental change affects community and ecosystem dynamics. We will develop conceptual ideas, using examples from many terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems, like savannas, deserts, forests, soils, streams, oceans, etc..

This online course is specifically geared towards the nexus of landscapes and business. Commonland, together with the Rotterdam School of Management, Estoril Conferences, CSIC and UN’s Land Restoration Training Programme, has taken the initiative to develop this course. This consortium, known as ENABLE - the European Network for the Advancement of Business and Landscape Education - aims to educate the next generation of business leaders with an ecosystems’ view, ready to include landscape-related issues in their decision-making processes, thus making businesses more sustainable and a force for good.