Fundamentals in ecology
Summary
The students will learn the fundamentals in ecology with the goal to perceive the environment beyond its physical and chemical characteristics. Starting from basic concepts, they will acquire mechanistic understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and global change.
Content
The content of the course will be structured along the following lines:
1. The nature of ecology
2. The physical and chemical environment
3. The organism and its environment
4. Population and community ecology
5. Metapopulation and metacommunity ecology
6. Biodiversity
7. Ecosystem ecology (decomposition, nutrient cycling, biogeochemistry)
9. Global change ecology in terrestrial and aquati ecosystems
Keywords
ecology, ecosystems, theory and concepts, environment, populations, communities, biodiversity, global change
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Analyze environmental problems in a systematic way rooted in ecological theory
- Integrate knowledge from the abiotic and biotic components that form the fundamentals of ecology
- Differentiate between pure science and engineering
- Defend why ecological thinking is requried to face the great challenges coming with global change
- Conduct simple experiments related to ecology
Transversal skills
- Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
- Give feedback (critique) in an appropriate fashion.
- Keep appropriate documentation for group meetings.
Teaching methods
The students will follow lectures and do practical work, including experimental fieldwork, analyses in the laboratory, and an initiation into R with practical examples from ecology.
Assessment methods
Written exam: 60%
Written report on the practical part during the semester: 40%
Supervision
| Office hours | No |
| Assistants | Yes |
Resources
Bibliography
Elements of Ecology, 9th Edition
Thomas M. Smith, University of Virginia
Robert Leo Smith, (Emeritus) West Virginia University
©2015 | Pearson
https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/product/Smith-Elements-of-Ecology-9th-Edition/9780321934185.html
Ressources en bibliothèque
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Fundamentals in ecology
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- TP: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Fundamentals in ecology
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- TP: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory