Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1394 Basic ecology, 7.5 Credits

Grundläggande ekologi

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Excursion and Seminar 1	1.0	0003
Basic examination	4.0	0102
Literature project	2.5	0104

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

15 credits biology

Objectives

The course will provide the students with basic knowledge of evolutionary and ecological theory, with concrete examples for their relevance for practical conservation and green industries like horticulture, agriculture, silviculture, and for landscape planning.

After completion of the course, students should be able to:

• describe basic evolutionary and ecological principles

• describe different levels of ecological organisation and ecological principles

• describe similarities and differences between human-organized crop production ecosystems and the ecology of natural environments

Content

The course comprises a theoretical part, with lectures about evolutionary and ecologial theory, complemented by seminars, excursions, practical exercises and a minor in-depth study about basic ecology.

Basic evolutionary and ecological theory:

• Evolutionary theory: evolutionary adaptation of organisms to their environment, biotic and abiotic factors.

• Population ecology: dynamics, growth, regulation and cycles

• Systems ecology: the ecosystem concept

• Food chains: trophic levels, trophic webs (predation, parasitism, herbivory, competition)

• Energy flows, nutrient flows, decomposition

• Communities, succession, the niche concept

• Concrete examples of conservation ecology within green industries and cultural landscapes

Short in-depth work covering parts of ecological theory, finalized with an oral presentation.

The course material consists of basic information provided via lectures, excursions and course literature, and discussed at seminars.

Scheduled excursions, exercises, supervision, seminars, and presentations have mandatory attendance.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Examination includes a written test, participation and presentation of exercises, oral presentation of in-depth literature study, and participation in seminars.

For a passing grade a written test, reports and participation in mandatory components of the course are required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

 The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.

 If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology