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GEOG-Y067

Nature and the city

academic year
2026-2027

Course teacher(s)

Sonia Vanderhoeven

ECTS credits

6

Language(s) of instruction

english

Course content

Drawing on urban ecology, biodiversity science, socio-ecological systems research, and environmental governance, the course investigates the conditions that shape biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functioning in cities. Through a combination of theoretical perspectives, policy debates, and international case studies, students explore the strategies and governance approaches that can support more resilient and biodiverse urban environments. Particular attention is given to the transformative changes needed to create resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive urban futures, in line with emerging European and global biodiversity and sustainability agendas.

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

To acquire the basic knowledge required to understand the key issues relating to the interaction between humans and the living world in urban environments. To develop analytical skills based on an interdisciplinary approach.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Ex-cathedra lectures; videos; podcasts; readings of scientific articles (in English and French) and documents aimed at public authorities and the general public. Group discussions and support to the drafting of a policy brief.

Course notes

  • Université virtuelle

Other information

Contacts

M. Sonia VANDERHOEVEN : sonia.vanderhoeven@ulb.be

Campus

Plaine

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

  • written examination
  • Practice exam
  • Oral presentation
  • Group work

written examination

  • Open question with short answer
  • Open question with developed answer
  • Visual question

Practice exam

  • Out-of-session examination

Oral presentation

Group work

Students will be required to produce a policy brief and present it to the whole class and the lecturer.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

  • Written exam: 60%
  • Production and presentation of a policy brief: 40%

Language(s) of evaluation

  • english

Programmes