Applicants should have a genuine interest in birds, nature, and sustainability, as well as the motivation to explore these topics in greater depth. Previous experience with birdwatching is not required; curiosity and an eagerness to learn are equally valued. The programme welcomes students and professionals from a range of backgrounds who wish to deepen their understanding of nature and sustainability.

Alongside the online sessions, you will work independently on assignments that challenge you to (re)discover your own environment and its birdlife. What can you learn about the birds around you that you may never have noticed before? And how does your environment compare with those of other participants?

For your final project, you will bring these insights together by developing a proposal that addresses a challenge presented to you by our experts, related to birds and their habitats. And, if possible, your proposal might even be put into practice!

By the end of the course, you will have gained a new appreciation for the birdlife in your own surroundings and hands-on knowledge of how to protect birds and their habitats.

• This course will meet live via Zoom 3 times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All live lectures begin at 15.30 and will last around 2,5 hours (with a break included). Do you live outside of Europe? Calculate the time of the live sessions for your time zone.
• A preparatory assignment will be before the programme starts. 
• Students will also complete in-course assignments and a final paper due roughly two weeks after the course ends.
• Looking for more information? Visit our practical matters page to find out more.

Elias den Otter  

Birds have played a significant role in Elias’ life for many years. As a nature guide, he’s witnessed how birds enhance the beauty and wonder of the natural world, often right in people’s backyards or even on their balconies. This passion inspires him to serve as the chairman of a birding association in Alkmaar, and it drives his efforts to promote a more localized, nature-inclusive food system in his region. His view is that by fostering local food and birding communities, we create a deeper connection between people and nature. 

Elias has been connected to the UvA as a teacher in interdisciplinary social sciences since 2016 and developed a variety of innovative courses. Elias’ academic background is in Sociology. 

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