NCP-20503 Ecology II

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Studiepunten 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

NCP-10503 Ecology I

Continuation courses:

CWE-20806 Population-Ecology;
NCP-20306 Ecology of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes;
TNV-20306 Resource Ecology.

Contents:

This course is the sequel to Ecology I (NCP-10503) and serves to train students in practical investigations of ecological issues and problems. We study adaptations of organisms to their environment, the ecology of populations and ecosystems as well as anthropogenic effects on the environment. Key ecological principles are studied in field and laboratory exercises. A special project studying specific ecological problems completes the course.

Aims:

- To learn how to study ecological processes and the interactions between organisms;
- To become familiar with academic methods of scientific study such as problem identification, data collection, analysis and assessment of scientific information.

Activities:

First, field and laboratory exercises deal with various ecological principles such as biodiversity, variation in ecosystems, climate and ecosystems, life cycles and population dynamics. Second, students select a "project" that will be studied in small groups by identification of project aims, data collection and assessment and reporting.

Examination:

Written report of field and laboratory exercise (50%) and project report (50%). Lowest passable grade: 5.0 for each part.

Literature:

Essentials of Ecology 2nd ed. (2002) Townsend, Begon & Harper. Blackwell Science Ltd.; Coursebook Ecology I.