AEW-30306 Ecology: Classics and Trends

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

AEW-31306 Water Quality; SLM-20806 Water Quantity and Quality.

Contents:

This course deals with some theoretical fundamentals of ecology. General principles are studied with shallow lakes as model ecosystems, completed with examples of other systems. Main ecological themes (e.g. biodiversity, predator-prey relationships) are highlighted in relation to various ecosystems. Theory will be clarified by applying some relatively simple models. A number of important scientific articles on different themes are criticized by the students. Each article is briefly introduced by the lecturers. The students individually read and analyse four of these key publications for weak and false points. The results are discussed in plenary sessions. Furthermore, students in small groups (3 to 4 members) analyse some key scientific papers and a contrasting paper. Together they prepare a short presentation. Again the findings are discussed in a plenary session.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students are expected to be able to;
- recognize, explain and quantify key biological processes in various (aquatic) ecosystems;
- recognize and explain the relationships between biological processes and chemical and physical processes;
- recognize and assess driving mechanisms and feedbacks in various ecosystems;
- relate classical and modern ecological themes to aquatic ecosystems;
- evaluate the value or significance of scientific information;
- analyse reasoning and argumentation in scientific articles;
- recognize own interpretation from other views;
- set science and scientist in a broader social context.

Activities:

- lecture attendance;
- reading and analysing a number of selected scientific articles modelling in MATLAB, group discussions.

Examination:

- closed book exam individual (50%);
- individual paper (30%);
- group presentation (10%);
- presence, participation and/or results during course activities (individual; 10%).
Successful partial interim examinations remain valid for a period of three years.

Literature:

M. Scheffer. (1998). Eocolgy of Shallow Lakes. Springer. 358 p. ISBN-10: 0412749203.
Syllabus and articles handed out during the course.