Course Details

Course Information Package

Course Unit Title	BIODIVERSITY AND EDUCATION
Course Unit Code	ESD507
Course Unit Details	MSc Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development (Electives Courses) -
Number of ECTS credits allocated	9
Learning Outcomes of the course unit	By the end of the course, the students should be able to: Outline the content of the term “biodiversity” and describe the main characteristics of its components. Explain the multidimensional character of biodiversity (part of natural, cultural, spiritual and economic heritage). Evaluate the role and importance of biodiversity for human and value the result of the interaction between biodiversity and human. Describe the factors that influence biodiversity. Name and describe European, international and national conventions and strategies focusing on biodiversity conservation. Describe and document the richness and uniqueness of Cyprus biodiversity, and recognize the importance of its conservation. Propose measures for biodiversity conservation. Outline the aims and objectives of Biodiversity Education. Develop teaching strategies for integrating biodiversity issues in teaching practice. Integrate biodiversity issues in the curriculum and other educational processes, indoors and outdoors as well as through other aspects of school life.
Mode of Delivery	Face-to-face
Prerequisites	NONE	Co-requisites	NONE
Recommended optional program components	NONE
Course Contents	-  The content of the term “biodiversity”. -  Aspects of biodiversity. The beginning and evolution of biodiversity. -  Biodiversity as a sustainability value. -  The value of biodiversity (ecological, ethical, economic, medical, agricultural, etc.) -  Main threats for biodiversity. -  Biodiversity conservation efforts at the national, regional and international level. -  The biodiversity of Cyprus: richness, threats, conservation strategies -  Characteristics of Cyprus biodiversity -  Education for biodiversity: aims, objectives and pedagogical approaches. -  Biodiversity through the National Curriculum of all levels of formal education. -  Biodiversity and conflict issues: Genetically modified species, invasive species etc.
Recommended and/or required reading:
Textbooks	Gaston Kevin J. (2008). Biodiversity, University Studio Press
References	Tsindidis T., Christodoulou S. H., Delipetrou P., Georgiou K. (2007). The Red Book of Cypriot Flora. Filodhasikos Syndesmos Kyprou, Nicosia. McLeish, E. (Ed) (1997). Educating for life. Guidelines for biodiversity education. Reading, Council for Environmental Education Nature Conservation Unit (2012). The Virtual Museum of the Biodiversity of Cyprus. (available online at http://www.naturemuseum.org.cy/home.html)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods	This module is delivered through lectures, experiential workshops, visits (e.g. Athalassa and Troodos National Forest Parks, Environmental Education and Environmental Information Centres, botanical gardens, protected areas etc.) and field studies.
Assessment methods and criteria	Midterm Exam 50% Final Exam 50%
Language of instruction	Greek
Work placement(s)	NO