Study Tropical Coastal Ecology and Community Based Management in Bali
16 Weeks Post-Graduate Semester Program
15 Weeks Lectures
15 weeks full of of hands-on lectures at Udayana University, field trips all across Bali and cultural activites.
1 Week Introduction
The 15-weeks semester program will be proceeded by an introduction week to get to know Bali and your fellow classmates.
Profound Expertise
Well structured lectures in English, held at Udayana University will provide you with expertise and prepare you for various field trips.
30 Credit Points
During this 16 weeks study program you can achieve up to 30 ECTS credit points awarded by Udayana University in Bali.
Post graduate semester in Bali: Tropical Coastal Ecology & Community Based Management
With its central location in the coral triangle center, Bali’s coastal areas are defined by rich mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass and seaweed beds. During this semester you will study the biodiversity of these main coastal ecosystems and visit different community-based conservation projects. Learn more about how the community manages these ecosystems to meet both conservation and tourism needs. A special focus will be set on the environmental impact of coastal ecosystems and the effect of climate change. A perfect opportunity for both undergraduate and post graduate students to gain fundamental knowledge & methodologies in biology and marine science, that will give an insight into the work of marine researchers and scientists.
Available Modules
Coral Ecology and Management
Coral Ecology, Biodiversity and Management
Not only in Bali, coral reefs are an important ecosystem in the coastal region. Alone in Indonesia, they cover an estimated area of 60 thousand km2. In this course, students will focus on the fauna diversity in the coral region with the help of the ARMs (Artificial Reef Monitoring Structure) methodology. ARMs is an internationally recognized method to study biodiversity in coastal waters. Through field trips, students will learn more about the management of coral reefs in Bali and community conservation activities in two different areas in Bali. They will engage themselves in a coral reef transplantation project. During this experience, they will learn more about different types of corals and the extent of coral bleaching in Bali through working with the coral watch chart.
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Mangrove Ecology and Management
Mangrove Ecology and Management
Indonesia consists of around 17 thousand islands with approximately 95 thousand coastal areas. Mangrove forests are present in most of these coastal areas and have both ecological and economical value to the local community. During this module, you will explore the diversity of the flora and fauna in and around the mangroves forests in Bali. Different sampling techniques will help you determine mangrove structures and discover its diversity through identifying mangrove species. Through measuring the carbon sequestration by determining the carbon stock you will understand the importance of mangroves for the environment. During field trips to Mangrove Conservation Projects you will understand the economical value of mangroves for the local community and what is done to minimise the destruction or conversion of the mangrove forest.
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Seagrass and Seaweed
Seagrass and Seaweed
Although seagrass and seaweed belong to a rather less known marine ecosystem, they have an important role for marine animals and our environment. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the diversity of seagrass and seaweeds along the coastal zones of Bali while getting hands-on experience of the standard survey methods such as field collections, identification, molecular analysis and preservation. In addition, students will learn more about the methodology of seagrass mapping via remote sensing combined with ground truth observation. Seagrass and seaweed are also beneficial to the local community in Bali and students will get the chance to dive deeper into its** monitoring and management** and learn more about seaweed farming systems. During the course, students will apply their knowledge and conduct a case study which focuses on the comparison of the status of the seagrass in Sindhu Beach (southern part of Bali) and Pejarakan (northern part of Bali).
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Threat on Coastal Region
Threat on Coastal Region
Coastal areas are increasingly facing global threats such as climate change, the rise of the sea-level, ocean acidification and global warming. On a local scale, other threats that can especially be observed in Bali include erosion, eutrophication and marine pollution, in particular microplastic. All of these threats are results of local mismanagement and students will inevitably be confronted with these issues throughout the field trips of the semester. This module will help students to understand and evaluate the situation. During several visits to community based conservation programs, they will have the chance to discuss issues and develop and share more environment friendly management approaches.
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Bahasa Indonesia (Mandatory)
Bahasa Indonesia (Mandatory)
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language in Indonesia and is spoken from a majority of Indonesians next to a variety of different dialects which vary locally. In this language course you will learn the basics of the Indonesian language, in order to be able to immerse into Bali’s culture and life. This course mostly focuses on teaching the students to interact/communicate in Indonesian. Besides that, the students will also learn some basics of grammatical/structural rules.
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Student Project (Mandatory)
Student Project (Mandatory)
Students will be assigned to a specific topic that has a significant role in biology, environmental management and conservation in Indonesia. Three topics (with a short description of background and topic objective) have to be proposed to the subject coordinator. One topic will be approved. The students will have to set up a project plan with target and allocated time for each step. During the implementation of the project, the students will be supervised by an appropriate supervisor within the topic’s field. The progress of the project is to be discussed with the supervisor on a weekly basis. Upon the completion of the project, a report of minimum of 20 pages has to be submitted and after presented in a seminar.
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 5 ECTS
Field Trips and Practicals
Mangrove identification & zonation
Located at the southeast of Bali, the mangroves in Benoa offer a perfect place to study the different mangrove species and structures using various sampling techniques, and determine carbon stockage. Looking closer into the work of the information center will help us to understand its ecological and socio-economical function.
Seagrass & Seaweed identification
Seagrass and seaweed sampling will be conducted at Sindhu Beach in southern Bali and in Pejarakan, northern Bali. The samples will then be identified in the classroom. Molecular analysis of the seaweed diversity will be demonstrated at the laboratory of BIONESIA.
Coral Reef Cultivation
To support marine eco tourism, the local community has successfully established a reef cultivation project at Pandawa beach. You will learn more about its management and the cultivation apporach and will engage in a coral transplantation on site.
Introduction Week
Before the official start of the semester there will be an introduction week during which you will get to know your fellow classmates, the unique Balinese culture as well as the environment around the campus.
The introduction week will kick-off with a cooking class in central Bali on Monday afternoon/evening. Since the next day will also be spent in central Bali, we will spend the night close to Ubud.
On Tuesday we will visit a Balinese family in Payangan where you will learn a lot about the Hindu culture and traditions. The main part of this trip will be a 'Canang Workshop' (a typical offering that is used on a daily basis by the Hindu). In the afternoon, we will visit a conservation center for the critically endangered Bali Starling.
The following day, we will visit the turtle conservation and education center on Serangan island and you will get the chance to learn more about corals during a coral transplantation workshop in Nusa Dua.
As last activity of the welcome week, we will have some fun on the beach during a surf course.
On Friday will be the official opening cermenoy at the university where you will meet your lecturers for the very first time.
This schedule is still subject to change.