The course, being addressed to a wide range of scientists, aims, initially, to familiarize them with the basic concepts of ecosystem analysis and, then, to the acquisition of specialized knowledge on specific topics regarding natural resource management. An additional objective is to acquire the ability (through an interdisciplinary team), to manage ecosystems and natural resources, in a way to satisfy a) conservation of the balance of natural systems, b) meeting human needs. Postgraduate students are given, at regular intervals, papers published in international journals, related to the preceding lecture that they study and present to the class. Besides, the semester project is drafted during the semester and presented at the end of it, while dialogue, comparisons and arguments occur. Throughout the semester the instructor supervises the evolution of work and proper use of literature.
After the successful completion of the course, postgraduate students have acquired expertise in the field of natural resources and ecosystems management, are able to compare (in regard with the correctness and effectiveness) and evaluate management practices and / or protection policies between different countries, are also able to solve problems and to suggest policy measures relating to the natural environment , combine and use acquired knowledge in regional, country etc. development planning, contribute to relevant research, extract clear conclusions and present them to a specialized and / or a non-specialized audience.

Regarding the general skills (according to the Diploma Appendix) that a graduate student of this course should acquire, they are listed as follows:
• Ability to research international and domestic bibliographic references, analyze and synthesize data and information
• Search , analyze and synthesize data and information, with the use of the necessary technologies
• Make decisions regarding the design of management measures for a protected area and / or a natural resource
• Ability to produce independent work as well as teamwork in a future interdisciplinary environment
• Generating new research ideas
• Ability to produce criticism, through the presentation of individual / group projects, as well as to develop arguments.
• Respect to the natural environment as a result of a deeper knowledge of its functions and value and
• Ability to promote free , creative and deductive thinking

Resources’ use history, tragedy of the commons (commodities), principles and functioning of natural ecosystems, approaches to managing natural resources, human population and natural resources, planning – framework of the sustainable management of natural resources, renewable and non-renewable natural resources, the concept of carrying capacity, sustainability and sustainable development, soils (characteristics, formation, protection), contemporary agriculture and its impact on the ecological balance, sustainable agriculture, agro-ecosystems, prairie ecosystems and their management, forest ecosystem management, desertification and measures for its prevention, biodiversity – policies for its conservation, wildlife managment, management plans for protected areas and outdoor recreation spaces, DPSIR Models, value valuation methods of Natural Resources, Carrying Capacity assessment methodology, Ecological footprint.