Basic ecology
Knowledge about ecology is an important part of global development goals as well as Swedish environmental goals, to understand how preservation of natural environments and biodiversity is related to food security and sustainable consumption. Via lectures and seminars, excursions and practical exercises, and literature projects with oral presentations, we provide an overview of basic and practical aspects of ecology to illustrate these issues.
The course includes basic concepts and explanatory models within ecology and describes the forces that shape organisms and affect their survival in interactions with other organisms and their environment. Examples from natural ecosystems and man-made production ecosystems demonstrate how our green industries affect the conditions for biological diversity and sustainable use of resources.
The course is taught together with the first half period of BI1397 Basic and applied ecology, which also focuses on further in-depth studies and applications of ecological theory.
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
BI1394-10268 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for BI1394
Academic year 2024/2025
2024-09-02 - 2024-10-01
Academic year 2022/2023
2022-08-29 - 2022-09-28
Academic year 2021/2022
2021-08-30 - 2021-09-29
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI1394 Basic ecology, 7.5 Credits
Grundläggande ekologiSubjects
Biology BiologyEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Basic examination | 4.0 | 0102 |
| Exercises and seminars | 1.0 | 0103 |
| 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 requirementsBachelor’s level (G1F)
Grading scale
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.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
15 credits biologyObjectives
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
Further information
Litterature list
Smith & Smith 2015 Elements of Ecology, Global Edition (9th edition)
https://www.adlibris.com/se/bok/elements-of-ecology-global-edition-9781292077406