Social-Ecological Systems: Challenges and Approaches
This course introduces students to the Anthropocene, the new geological era in which we live, in which humanity has become the dominant force structuring the biosphere.
The course will address what this means for critical subsystems in the earth system, for humanity, and for the development of earth system governance. This course will define the research challenges that the Master's programme "Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development" addresses. It will explore alternative approaches to coupled social-ecological systems from multiple disciplinary backgrounds, for example, economics, geography and ecology. The course will also introduce current approaches to measuring and monitoring how ecosystems support human well-being.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to autumn term 2024 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for autumn 2024
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 5th August and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts, apart from courses starting at beginning of term. Registration for these courses closes already August 21!
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The course will address what this means for critical subsystems in the earth system, for humanity, and for the development of earth system governance. This course will define the research challenges that the Master's programme "Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development" addresses. It will explore alternative approaches to coupled social-ecological systems from multiple disciplinary backgrounds, for example, economics, geography and ecology. The course will also introduce current approaches to measuring and monitoring how ecosystems support human well-being.
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Course structure
Students will be introduced to theoretical concepts and methods for analysis, and will conduct group and individual research projects that utilize these concepts and methods.
Modules
The course is comprised of the following three modules:
1: Challenges of the Anthropocene (4 hp)
2: Linking theory to research questions and design (4 hp)
3: Ecosystem support of humanity (7hp)
Teaching format
Teaching consists of lectures, self-studies and group work lead by teachers from different scientific fields. Module 3 also includes fieldwork and data collection and analysis exercises. Students will work in groups to assess and discuss each other’s work. This component will provide a set of alternative approaches to addressing related questions, and will allow students to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, to develop skills in critical analysis and providing scholarly feedback.
Assessment
Assessment is based on individual assignments and group projects.
Examiner
Sarah Cornell (Modules 1 & 2 and overall)
E-mail: sarah.cornell@su.se
Tel: +46 8 16 7706Amanda Jiménez Aceituno (Module 3)
E-mail: amanda.jimenez@su.se
Tel: +46 8 674 7816 -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
No mandatory course book.
Recommended reading
What is Resilience? Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University. Click here for a link.
Walker B. et al. 2002. Resilience management in social-ecological systems: a working hypothesis for a participatory approach.Conservation Ecology 6 (1) 14 http://www.consecol.org/vol6/iss1/art14
Folke, C. 2016. Resilience (Republished). Ecology and Society 21(4):44. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-09088-210444
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Note! Closed June 11!
Closed for midsummer, June 21, and then stay closed till August 9. We answer e-mails to info.big@su.se all summer.
Study counsellor for advanced level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
