NCP-10503 Ecology I

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures14
Practical extensively supervised7
Practical intensively supervised7
Field Practical10
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. ir. W Takken
Lecturer(s)dr. WG Braakhekke
prof. dr. ir. W Takken
prof. dr. ir. JE Kammenga
prof. dr. ir. JJA van Loon
prof. dr. TW Kuyper
dr. ir. L Bastiaans
dr. MCJ Verdegem
dr. ir. IMA Heitkönig
dr. ir. W van der Werf
dr. D van der Hoek
dr. RGM de Goede
dr. ir. LAJ Nagelkerke
ir. PAM van Zwieten
Examiner(s)dr. EM Veenendaal
prof. dr. ir. W Takken
dr. ir. IMA Heitkönig

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Continuation courses:

GEN-20306 Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology;
NCP-21803 Ecology of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes;
REG-20306 Resource Ecology.
Note: these courses can only be taken after successfull conclusion of Ecology I + II

Contents:

In this introductory course the most relevant theories and principles of general ecology are studied. Examples from nature conservation, agriculture and fisheries, land use and environmental issues are used to illustrate the complex processes that concern ecology. We study adaptations of organisms to their environment, the ecology of populations and ecosystems as well as anthropogenic effects on the environment.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course unit, the student is expected to be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the relationships between organisms and the environment and insight in the mechanisms that drive populations and ecosystems;
- apply methods of academic study of science subjects, such as the independent studying of a handbook, extraction of relevant questions and problem solving.

Activities:

Ecological principles are studied from a handbook supported by reader. Relevant chapters are introduced in oral lectures. Specific subjects are studied in study groups under supervision of a lecturer. Fields aspects of ecology are demonstrated by field practicals highlighting typical environmental characteristics of the Veluwezoom and Rhine valley near Wageningen. Participation in study groups and practicals is obligatory.

Examination:

Multiple choice electronic.

Literature:

Essentials of Ecology 3nd ed. (2008) Townsend, Begon & Harper. Blackwell Science Ltd.; Coursebook Ecology I.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BBIBiologyBSc1MO
BSWSoil, Water, AtmosphereBSc6MO
BBNForest and Nature ConservationBSc1MO
BASAnimal SciencesBSc6MO
BLPLandscape Architecture and PlanningBSc1MO
BILInternational Land and Water ManagementBSc1MO
BESEnvironmental SciencesBSc6MO
BPWPlant SciencesBSc6MO