Guidance

Introduction of the course
Icebreaking activity

The diversity of life around us:（１）Honey and the diversity of nectar flowers

The diversity of color, scent and taste of honey
Honey bee, its social life, behavior and pollination in ecosystems
Group work on the topic

The diversity of life around us:（２）Baby monsters in Chirimen-jako and the diversity of marine life

Where's chirimen baby monstar?
Baby sardine and the diversity of marine fish
Group work on the topic

The diversity of life around us:（３）Acorns (nuts) and the diversity of forest community

The diversity of oak acorns
The complexity and dynamics of species interactions in forests ecosystems
Wrap-up group work on the biodiversity sessions (1)-(3)

Ecosystem services for human-well being:（１）Herbs and spices

The diversities of herbs and spices
The ecology and evolution of fragrant herbs and flowers
Group discussion on the diversity of herbs and spices in the world

Ecosystem services for human-well being:（２）Medicinal plants

The diversities of herbs and spices
The ecology and evolution of fragrant herbs and flowers
Group discussion on the diversities of herbs and spices in the world

Ecosystem services for human-well being（３）Edible and poisonous mushrooms

The diversity of edible and poisonous mushrooms
Ecology and ecosystem function of fungi
Wrap-up group discussion on the ecosystem service sessions (1)-(3)

Ecological challenges in global environmental problems:（１）Habitat destruction

Habitat destruction as a primary cause of species extinctions
Consequences of habitat destruction for human-well being
Group discussion on the topic in Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Ecological challenges in global environmental problems:（２）Threats of invasive exotic species

Prickly, sticky seeds and the invasion of exotic plants
Consequences of invasive species for human-well being
Group discussion on the topic in Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Ecological challenges in global environmental problems:（３）Climate change and our future

Tipping point of climate change across the globe
Consequences of climate change for human-well being
Wrap-up group discussion on the global issue sessions (1)-(3)

Our daily lives and biodiversity in Kyoto:（１）Kyo-yasai (local traditional vegetables of Kyoto)

The diversity of local traditional vegetables in Kyoto
History of agriculture and plant cultivation
Group discussion on biodiversity-friendly agriculture

Our daily lives and biodiversity in Kyoto:（２）Remnant vegetation in temples and shrines

The diversities of plants and animals in temples and shrines of Kyoto
Nature in arts and culture of Kyoto
Discover the nature, biodiversity and ecosystem services around us

Our daily lives and biodiversity in Kyoto:（３）Kamo River and its watershed ecosystem

The first drop of water of Kamo River
Water birds and fish in Kamo River
Management of watershed ecosystem and the problem of water pollution
Wrap-up group discussion on the Kyoto sessions (1)-(3)

Summary （１）Group work and preparation for presentation

Group work on our discoveries of the link between our nature around us and global environmental issues

Summary （２）60min presentation examination and 30 min class discussion

Presendation day

Based on the course attainment targets of the students, students will be asked to write essay about the best way to achieve sustainability and human well-being in the future and what they can do to their local environment now. Key criteria for the essay evaluation include organization, support and development of ideas, insight and clarity (logical coherency).

Based on the course attainment targets of the students, students will be asked to give oral presentation in the presentation day. Key criteria for evaluation will include engagement in in-class discussions during the course and preparation for oral presentation.