Course note
This course will be taught by a visiting faculty and will only run during the spring 2026 semester.
About this course
This course introduces landscape ecology—the study of spatial patterns and their influence on ecological processes—through the lens of urban environments, with a focus on Copenhagen. Students will explore how physical landscapes, biodiversity, and human activity interact, using tools like spatial analysis and ecological modeling.
Topics include habitat fragmentation, connectivity, climate change, and urban green space planning. Emphasis is placed on scale, human-environment relationships, and real-world applications in conservation and policy. Lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities provide a foundation for understanding and applying landscape ecological principles in land management and urban climate resilience.
Syllabus
Spring 2026 (Draft)
Go to syllabusThis is a draft syllabus. The final syllabus will be available here a few days prior to the new course’s first start date.
Pre-requisites
One course in environmental science, geography, or biology at university level.
Faculty
Todd Lookingbill
FacultyPh.D. (Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 2003), B.A. (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, 1995). Lecturer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2003-2004. Assistant Research Professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science – Appalachian Laboratory, 2005-2009. Assistant/Associate/Professor of Geography, Environment & Sustainability (joint Biology), University of Richmond, 2009-Present. Visiting faculty at DIS spring 2026