Presentation
The University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia offers a two-week summer program on Mediterranean Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Threats and Conservation Actions. The program focuses on understanding the evolution and current state of the Mediterranean Ecosystems, increasing students' scientific knowledge while acquiring strategies to contribute and protect the sensitive ecosystems.
Aimed at
Our program is addressed to undergraduate students from the fields of Biology and Natural Sciences, even though other related backgrounds might be considered. The objective of this course is to discover the Mediterranean ecosystems throughout practice and theory needed to complement the workshops and field visits.
Furthermore, students should have a good command of English at the bachelor's and master's levels.
Venue
Barcelona
Calendar
2 weeks (6 ECTS, 3 USC)
Programme dates: pending 2025 (TBC)
Accommodation dates: pending 2025 (TBC) (optional and upon availability)
Tuition fees
2 WEEKS | Fee | Partner fee* | What’s included? |
---|---|---|---|
Course (general fee) | pending | pending |
lectures and field trips, welcome dinner, cultural program |
Course + Accommodation |
2.481€ |
2.311€ |
lectures and field trips, welcome dinner, cultural program, accommodation** **student accommodation in the 22@ district (Barcelona) is optional and upon availability |
* Partner discount only applied to the tuition fee.
Further information
For further information please contact studyabroad@uvic.cat
Program
Credits: 6 ECTS, 3 USC
The program is divided into three modules:
Module 1: Mediterranean wetlands
Discovering the key features of Ebro Delta
- History and evolution of Ebro Delta
- Habitat features and protection levels
- The role of biodiversity in Ebro Delta
- Critically endangered situations: the case of Iberian Killifish and Pen Shells
- Primary resources performance in Ebro Delta
- Top three main problems: invasive species, erosion, and water use
- Management proposals from stakeholders' views
Trips included:
- L'Encanyissada: a green engineering case
- Món Natura museum: traditional & conventional fishing
- Trabucador beach: the impacts of last storms
- Riet Vell Reserve: sustainable methods to manage rice fields
- Ebro river: the impact of tourism on a fragile ecosystem
Module 2: Mediterranean forests
Discovering the Mediterranean natural environments and forest fires
- Mediterranean forests: features, global distribution, and climate adaptations
- Cork oak forests: features, physiology, global distribution, types, and biodiversity
- The cork oak as a product: history, features, uses, current situation, cork extraction, and conservation actions
- Cork oak forests' conservation challenges: global warming, forest fires, and diseases
- Forest management and prevention actions
- Key issues to keep biodiversity
Trips included:
- The cork oak and the Mediterranean scrub: main trees and shrub species
- Cork Museum (Palafrugell)
- De Maria Taps: natural cork stopper company (Cassà de la Selva)
- Can Vilallonga: forest grazing as a management tool and cork peeling as an ancestral activity
Module 3: Mediterranean rocky coast
Discovering the natural environment of the Mediterranean rocky shore environment and the small littoral marshlands
- Mediterranean habitats distribution, biodiversity, and survival strategies
- The littoral system: land connected with the marine environment (cliffs, sandy beaches, and wetlands on rocky shores)
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and littoral ecosystems: natural values, protection figures, threats, and solutions
- Littoral ecosystems: management proposals
Trips included:
- Snorkeling activity at Medes Islands (Estartit): shallow underwater habitats and biodiversity of the Medes Islands
- Montgrí cliffs and rocky shores of an MPA: a global view on marine environment threats
- Baix Ter littoral marshlands: restoration, conservation, and management. Reserve effects
Program Highlights
- Core sessions
This program has been developed together with biologists and natural sciences experts. - Company visits
To get a deeper and further understanding of the current Mediterranean Ecosystems, you will get the chance to visit three different ecosystems. Whilst exploring the ecosystems, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and talk to scientific professionals directly in person. - 6 ECTS / 3 USC
After successful completion of the Summer Program, you will receive a certificate and credits which can be further transferred to higher education institutions. - Free-time activities
Alongside the academic side of the program, we also offer free time so that you get the chance to explore the wonders of the great Barcelona city and its surrounding. This will include city tours and a cultural program free of charge. - Accommodation
You will be provided with shared double or individual rooms.
Mediterranean Ecosystems video
General admission requirements
For acceptance on a Study Abroad program you need to:
- Be currently enrolled at a higher educational institution
- Have sufficient ability in the program's language of instruction (level B2 for courses taught in English).
Application
Individual enrolments
(please read carefully the information below before completing the application process)
- Fill in the Application Form (pending)
- Payment of the application fee of 650€. Use the button in the bar at the top "Add to cart"
- Send these required documents:
- Completed Application Form
- A copy of your Passport
- A copy of a certificate that you are currently enrolled at a higher education institution or university
- Academic Records
- A copy of a certificate confirming your level of English (not required for students whose mother tongue is English)
- Confirmation of application fee payment (650€)* *screenshot of the payment confirmation page
- When we receive your application, we will check that you meet the requirements for the course and contact you by email.
- Once you have been accepted into the course, we will send instructions on how to finish the enrolment to the program and pay the remaining balance.
- When you have paid the fees, we will send you a letter of acceptance so you can apply for a visa, if necessary.
- At least one month before the course is due to start you should send a copy of your medical and accident insurance policy.
Group enrolments
Talk to your Academic Coordinator or International Office at your home University.
For group enrolments send an email to studyabroad@uvic.cat
Application deadline
(two options according to accommodation needs):
• Course and Accommodation: March 30th, 2024
• Course without Accommodation: May 2nd, 2024