To enable an in-depth understanding of complex social-ecological systems we explore theory and case studies in preparation for student thesis research projects. Ecosystem management is affected by drivers (social, economic, ecological) at various scales (local to global). Adaptation and governance at different scales are, therefore, crucial for our understanding of resilience in social-ecological systems. The programme aims to enhance students´ knowledge of the complex interactions between ecosystem dynamics and human activities at different scales; particularly ecosystem management in the context of change and uncertainty. Students are introduced to different research approaches and methods for studying coupled social and ecological systems.
Programme layout
The first year consists of four compulsory courses (7.5 cr/ECTS each), and 30 cr/ECTS-worth of elective courses. It is strongly recommended that 15 cr of the electives are composed of two courses held at the Stockholm Resilience Centre (see below).
The second year is spent writing a Master´s thesis 60 cr/ECTS. Students can spend most of this year abroad doing fieldwork and may have an assistant supervisor at another university.
Autumn term: Aug 30, 2010 - Jan 16, 2011
Christmas & New Years break: Dec 22, 2010- Jan 4, 2011
Spring term: Jan 17, 2011 - Jun 5, 2011
Easter break: varies between departments at SU. You will need to check this with the departments/organisations where you do your elective courses/internships.
About the four compulsory first-year courses
Resilience, Adaptability and Transformability (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Aug 30 - Sep 28
This course introduces the participants to the emerging research area with the same name. Different perspectives on complex adaptive systems and their resilience, adaptability and transformability are discussed by international experts representing various disciplines.
Philosophy of Science for Interdisciplinary Environmental Research (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Sep 29 - Oct 29
Analysing and responding to today´s pressing environmental conflicts requires an integrated and interdisciplinary approach. Awareness of our own assumptions and those of scholars trained in other disciplines is needed.
Ecosystem Management (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Nov 1 - Nov 30
Lectures discuss concepts such as ecological resilience, complex adaptive systems, functional biodiversity, threshold effects, multiple stable domains, cross-scale interactions and social-ecological systems, as well as key challenges for natural resource management in an human dominated world.
Adaptive Governance of Social-Ecological Systems (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Dec 1 - Jan 14
We focus on institutional and organisational aspects of ecosystem management, in particular how governance can enable adaptive co-management. Other key concepts that are analysed include collaboration in social networks, leadership, social capital, vulnerability and social resilience, i.e. the human adaptive capacity to absorb environmental change.
About the two highly recommended first-year courses (both run in the Spring term):
Please note that these two courses are reserved for ERG students and can not be chosen as independent courses.
Social-Ecological Resilience: Applications (7.5 cr/ECTS)
Jan 17 - Feb 15
This course draws on theories from earlier courses in the Master´s programme Ecosystems, Resilience and Governance. Students will work in groups on a case study in preparation for the Master´s thesis. They will practice research, academic writing and presentation.
Methods for Transdisciplinary Environmental Research (7.5 cr/ ECTS)
Feb 16 - Mar 18
This course introduces participants to research design aspects of and methods for transdisciplinary science in preparation for their thesis work. Special attention will be given to the challenges facing transdisciplinary research, such as the lack of specific methods and complex questions. The course culminates in a seminar series that will allow participants to deepen their understanding of one or two specific methods introduced during the course.
