The module consists of a series of special talks, partially given by guest lecturers.
In addition to the lecture component, a lab component is offered, and every student is expected to hold a min seminar on a subject to be selected in class.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
- An introduction to biodiversity and agrobiodiversity, to genetic resources of plants, animals and other organisms used in selected agroecosystems;
- Introduction to Biodiversity concepts and linkages to ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services;
- Ecosystem services: Pollination (with illustrations in the tropical greenhouse);
- Tools to assess and calculate diversity; From Land cover to landscape diversity; including some GIS practises (using QGIS);
- Principles and practices to conserve genetic resources;
- The role of homegardens and farms for in situ conservation of biodiversity;
- The role of underutilised and indigenous crops in food security;
- Causes and consequences of genetic erosion;
- Climate Change, Food Security, and Agrobiodiversity;
- Agrobiodiversity conservation
The seminar and an oral examination will be the basis for grading with a weight of 50% each.