BIRCHAM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Faculty of Life & Earth Sciences

MODULE: Ecology

Program delivered by distance learning higher education up to a maximum of 36 credits. This module may be combined or completed with other online university courses from this faculty.

DESCRIPTION:

This program provides a comprehensive study of ecology and environmental science, showing how the theories are applied in the real world to provide effective understanding of ecological problems. It presents the knowledge needed to intervene environmental impact and considers the best solutions to ecological problems and environmental health issues.

Courses list (each subject accounts for 3 credits):

1 BIU Earned Credit = 1 USA Semester Credit (15 hours of learning) = 2 ECTS Credit (30 hours of study).

Ecosystems

Environmental Science

Academic Supervisor: Luis Fontanet Sallán

More information about this supervisor and online university course instructors at BIU Human Network.

This module is applicable to Specialist, Expert, Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. (Doctor) Programs. This distance learning degree program is designed at the postgraduate level – Master’s or Doctoral. This module may be easily adapted to complete the Specialist, Expert or Bachelor’s adult degree program requirements. A further option is the enrollment into the online university courses listed in this module.

* University Course (3 credits): Select 1 subject from this module.

* Specialist Diploma (15 credits): First 5 subjects or select 5 subjects from this module.

* Expert Diploma (21 credits): First 7 subjects or select 7 subjects from this module.

* Bachelor's Degree (130 credits): The Admission certificate issued after submission of the application for admission will show the amount of credit transferred and validated from previous education and experience, and the amount of credits required to complete this undergraduate program's major. Additional courses from other modules of this faculty will be assigned in case that the credits displayed on this module are not enough to complete the bachelor's required credits.

* Master's Degree (35 credits): Select from 3 to 9 subjects from this module depending on the amount of credits transferred from previous education and experience. Add 13 credits corresponding to a final project to the selected subjects.

* Ph.D. (Doctor) (45 credits): Select from 3 to 9 subjects from this module depending on the amount of credits transferred from previous education and experience. Add 18 credits corresponding to a final thesis to the selected subjects.

BIU issues an admission certificate after receiving your complete application for admission. This document will show the amount of credits transferred and validated from previous education and experience, and the amount of credits required to complete the degree program's major. BIU can not perform this evaluation without the complete application for admission.

Courses Description (each subject accounts for 3 credits):

Ecosystems

This course surveys the structure and functioning of major terrestrial ecosystems. It considers the dynamics of ecosystems, landscape ecology, the methods of ecosystem analysis, energy flow, nutrient cycling, community dynamics, issues of scale, models, and ecosystem properties of self-organization, resilience and stability.

Instructor: María del Mar Sánchez Conde

Environmental Science

This course deals with relevant theories from physical sciences, ecology, economics, political science and other fields related to environmental studies. It presents an interdisciplinary approach to the interaction of humans and biological systems with the environment. It examines environmental problems, their prevention and possible solutions.

Instructor: Vicente Enrique Martín Olmos

Natural Resource Economics

This course deals with the economic principles and policy issues in the use of exhaustible and renewable resources including fossil fuels, water, minerals, fisheries, forests, and biodiversity. It considers the management of natural resources on a regional and international scale. It explains how public, economic and political choices affect environmental degradation and natural resources.

Instructor: Juan Carlos Bernial

Environmental Policies

This course is the intersection of social, cultural, political, and economic demands with our ecosystem and environmental resourses. It examines the theoretical and applied basis of environmental policy making, as well as the interaction between political institutions, governmental bodies, interest groups, legislative and administrative actions, and the public.

Instructor: Luis Fontanet Sallán

Habitat Conservation Planning

This course examines the ecological and sociological dimensions of habitat conservation planning. Topics include land use planning, natural reserve and ecosystem design. It will also illustrate recent developments in the use of mitigation land banks and habitat conservation plans for endangered species.

Instructor: Vicente Enrique Martín Olmos

Human Habitat

This course studies the concepts, methods, techniques and applications for the analysis of the human habitat, settlements, distribution, population and cultural environment. It explores the relation of human habitats with available land space, geography, overpopulation and ecological impact.

Instructor: Vicente Enrique Martín Olmos

Ecology

This course provides a comprehensive study of ecology and environmental science, showing how the theories are applied in the real world to provide effective understanding of ecological problems. It presents the knowledge needed to intervene environmental impact and considers the best solutions to ecological problems and environmental health issues.

Instructor: María del Mar Sánchez Conde

Ecology & Human Impact

This course studies the relationships of live organisms, including humans, to their environment at the individual, population, and community level. It includes adaptations to the physical environment, competition, concept of the niche, population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, herbivore effects, community ecology, ecosystem structure and stability, and the use and management of resources by the human beings.

Instructor: Vicente Enrique Martín Olmos

Water & Air Quality

This course reviews the control technologies used for management of air, water, and wastewater pollutants. It examines the characteristics of air and water quality, their physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters, and control, including filtration, sedimentation, coagulation, absorption, chemical treatment, and aeration.

Instructor: Vicente Enrique Martín Olmos

Environmental Health

This course examines the relationship of people to their environment, how it affects their physical well-being and what they can do to influence the quality of the environment and to enhance their health. It considers environmental health control programs, agencies and regulatory process.

Instructor: Luis Fontanet Sallán

Climate Change

This course studies the science of climate change, and the latest research and scientific data: new patterns of rainfall, droughts, weather events, and global warming. It also analyses the social changes and adaptations that human communities will have to consider, the political implications of climate change and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Instructor: Luis Fontanet Sallán

Bioprocessing of Byproducts

This course presents the principles of chemistry, microbiology, and engineering applicable to the design of systems for the treatment and utilization of livestock manures and other agricultural byproducts. It explains the bioenergetics of microbial processes, composting agricultural and animal wastes, odor measurement, and toxic control.

Instructor: Luis Fontanet Sallán

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Professionally recognized and validated degrees.

Accredited (Non USA CHEA). International legalization available.

Non formal and independent education.