Syllabus

BI1397 Basic and applied ecology, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

The course will provide the students with considerable knowledge and understanding of evolutionary and ecological theory, inluding their application in practical conservation and green industries like like horticulture, agriculture, silviculture, and within landscape planning. Particular focus will be placed on application of ecological theories and explanatory models in concrete situations.

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

• explain and apply basic evolutionary and ecological principles

• account for different levels of ecological organisation and ecological processes

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

• discuss and independently analyze problems and questions within ecology and its applications within green industries and biological conservation.

• demonstrate an ability to plan, present, analyze and discuss an experiment or empirical observational study using ecological conepts

Content

The course comprises a theoretical part, with lectures about evolutionary and ecologial theory, including seminars, excursions, practical exercises and a minor in-depth study about basic ecology; a greater literature study (case study) combining ecological theory with applications, and an empirical experimental/observational project.

• 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 literature study covering parts of ecological theory, finalized with an oral presentation.

• Case study: In-depth studies with applications within the student’s own selected area of interest, finalized with an oral presentation.

• Project: materials and methods for developing and investigate ecological questions. Hypothesis testing. Finalized with an oral presentation.

The basic part comprises informaton that is presented in lectures, excursion and course literature, discussed in seminars, and a small in-depth literature study.

The applied or specialized part comprises the individual case study (literature study) and empirical ecologial project.

Scheduled excursions, practical exercises, supervision, seminars and presentations are mandatory.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Basic evolutionary and ecological theory: Examination includes a written test, participation and presentation of exercises, oral presentation of basic literature study, and participation in seminars.

Case study: individual hand-in of presentation materials and participation in seminars, and oral presentation.

Project: Individual hand-in of presentation materials and participation in discussions about the projects, and oral presentation.

 If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.

 If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.

 If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.

 For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

• 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

Responsible department

Department of Plant Protection Biology