Biodiversity and Ecology in Yunnan 15hp

Please note that although the course is given in English, you can only apply to this course via www.antagning.se (Not the English site). Exchange students: use MoveOn.

The course focuses on factors and processes that influence biological diversity. Why are some areas ”biodiversity hotspots” and how to use resources in a sustainable way? Is ecotourism a good alternative to manage and utilize the biological heritage? These questions, and ecology in tropical environments, will be studied by means of a field course to one of the world’s most biodiverse areas: Yunnan in southwestern China.

Course content

The theoretical course take place in Uppsala before the field course, includes lectures and seminars that will cover among other things: definition of biodiversity, speciation, tropical ecology, ethno biology, quantative and qualitative research techniques, history and culture of China, ecotourism, rubber plantations, plants/insects/birds/other animals in Yunnan etc.The course is in Period 1 of the spring semester, January 15 - March 17.

The field course (3 weeks) take place from the middle of February to the beginning of March, and includes three optional days in Beijing (see below)

Kunming (A): Meeting with researchers and students. Visit to paleontological collections. Excursion to Xi Shan

Xishuangbanna (B): Excursions to different types of forests and reserves in the area. Seminar with local conservation agency. Field work in XTBG

Gaoligongshan (C): Visit to field station. Excursions in mountainous forests

Dali (D): Excursion in mountainous forest. Visit to pagodas and old town.

Back in Uppsala: (1,5 weeks) preparation for final poster session, where the three main course assignments are presented: a) Flora and fauna of Yunnan, b) An ecological field project and c) Man and the environment.

Costs

The course involves a cost paid by the student of SEK 18 000. This includes flights Arlanda-Beijing-Kunming and back, local transportation in China, hotels, local guides and experts and insurance. It does not include visa, vaccination and food. We also offer an optional 3 days stop in Beijing, including a visit to the Great Wall of China, for an additional  SEK 2000 (including hotel and transport to the Wall).

Please be informed that this course will only be given if enough students apply, because of the high costs involved in organizing it.

Last modified: 2023-10-05
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