NCP-20503 Ecology II

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

NCP-10503 Ecology I

Continuation courses:

REG-20306 Resource Ecology;
NCP-21803 Ecology of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes ENT-30306 Ecological Aspects of Biointeractions

Contents:

This course is complementary to and runs parallel 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.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course unit, the student is expected to be able to:
- perform and critically evaluate experiments in order to study ecological processes and the interactions between organisms;
- undertake academic methods of scientific study such as problem identification, review of scientific literature, quantifification of relevant ecological parameters; data collection, analysis and assessment of scientific information. - convey the results obtained from experimentation and analysis by means of a written report and platform presentation;
- conduct a problem analysis in ecology using public and scientific information, and present the results in a concise written report and oral presentation.

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