The Dutch Delta area has historically been subjected to large-scale human interference, most of which took place in the last 60 years. This has had major effects on the estuarine ecology of this area. In this course we will focus on the (ecological) lessons that can be learned from the large civil engineering projects in this area. We will start with a general introduction of estuarine ecology and a historical overview of the "Deltaplan" and other interventions that took place.

From there we will proceed to questions like: What have been the effects of these interventions on the ecology of the area? What went well, what went wrong? What are possible solutions to the current problems? And what are the future prospectives of the area?The course will consist of lectures, excursions (sailing, snorkeling, visits to local nature areas and engineering projects) and a mini-seminar in which the participants will present the results of group projects.

The lectures and excursions will be given/guided by experts of the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. Optional course extension: in the week preceding the course (Wednesday June 26-Saturday June 29), participants can obtain their PADI Open Water divers license. During this week, a SCUBA course will be offered plus some additional activities. This will give the participants the opportunity to take an inside look at the underwater biology that they will study during the course. Participants will obtain the internationally acknowledged PADI Open Water certificate.

Period
01-07-2013 - 12-07-2013 (2 weeks)

Target group
Advance Bachelor students planning a career in spatial planning, water management, (wet) civil engineering, marine/estuarine ecology or Delta management. Basic academic knowledge of ecology is strongly recommended.

Course aim
To familiarise students with the major ecological issues arising from human interference in delta areas and the various ways in which these challenges are being addressed.



Credits
4.0 ECTS credits

Certificate of Attendance

Course fee
EUR 1000: Course + course materials

Accomodation will be available for summer school students. Bookings can be made in spring.

Course leader
Dr. I. Flameling

Scholarships
Utrecht Summer School doesn't offer scholarships for this course.

Utrecht University
Address: PO BOX 80148
Postal code: 3508 TC
City: Utrecht
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl
E-mail: summerschool@uu.nl
Phone: 0031302534400