https://www.bisas.org.uk/assets/files/Grazing_course.pdf

Dear European colleagues,

We are pleased to invite PhD students to Grazing and Herbivory (3 ECTS) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in 2027. Please see the attached poster and share this invitation with supervisors and doctoral students in your networks.

How do grazing animals shape grasslands, support biodiversity and contribute to livestock production? The course Grazing and herbivory with focus on domestic ruminants and semi wild herbivores explores these questions by combining theory in Uppsala with hands-on fieldwork in northern Sweden (Umeå).

Participants will learn from researchers with diverse expertise, exploring connections between animal behaviour, herbage intake, pasture management, and landscape conservation while exchanging ideas with fellow PhD students.

The course runs in three complementary blocks:

• Block A — Uppsala, 5–9 April 2027: Lectures, a workshop and a journal club.
• Block B — Umeå, northern Sweden, 28 June–2 July 2027: Fieldwork, practical exercises and excursions.
• Block C — Online via Zoom, 9 September 2027: Examination.

Previous participants particularly valued the practical learning, breadth of expertise and welcoming atmosphere. Student evaluations gave the course an average overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, while the social learning environment scored 5 out of 5.

Prerequisites

Applicants must be admitted to a doctoral programme in agriculture, animal science, biology, veterinary medicine, wildlife, nutrition or a related subject, or to a residency programme in veterinary medicine.

Application deadline: 28 February 2027

Information and application: www.slu.se/gs-vmas-courses
Contact: Mårten Hetta — marten.hetta@slu.se

We look forward to welcoming your PhD students to SLU!