Japanese version of this article
The course “Principles of Invasion Ecology” was held as one class for Hokkaido Summer Institute 2018. The course lasted for 5 days, and was held from June 18th to June 22nd.
In this course, undergraduate students were taught about invasive alien-species and their problematic influence on diminishing native species, the problems they cause for human health, and the issues they can cause for the environment and human society. This class aimed not only to teach students about the spread of invasive species and the damages they can cause, but also to arm them with an understanding of the causes and prevention methods against invasive species. The main lecturer of this course was Dr. Al Glen of New Zealand, a leading country in studies on invasive species. Classes were conducted in both lecture and seminar format.
Invited Lecturer Al Glen (Landcare Research Center/New Zealand)
In class, Dr. Glen would lecture while making use of detailed presentation slides. Furthermore, when necessary, the Faculty of Letters Regional Science department’s own Professor Toru Ikeda would use concrete examples that occurred in Japan for supplementary explanations. At the end of each topic, a test was given on the lecture-content in order to ensure that students had thoroughly grasped the material.
Professor Ikeda providing an additional explanation
A student asking a question
The course began with an explanation of what invasive species are, and went on to cover more specific themes such as the characteristics of invasive species, the process of invasion and its influence, the regional differences for invasive species and the mutual relationships between these regions, as well as new concepts of eco-management and risk evaluation that can account for invasive species. This class thus covered invasive ecology in a way that allowed students to gain a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Hence, although it was an introductory class, it managed to provide a broad range of knowledge to all the participants.
On the final day, students participated in a group project on a risk assessment system for invasive alien vegetation. Students divided into small groups, at which point they would all use the same evaluation index for the project given to their group. In the end, groups would present the results of their work and answer questions from the lecturers.
Working in groups
Getting help from the instructors
Being able to not only hear the lectures of a researcher of international renown, but also discuss and work on this topic made this a fulfilling 5 day class for the students. Dr. Glen has been invited to continue this class next year as well.
- Related Course “General Theory of Invasive Alien Species Management”