NEM-21306 Ecophysiology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

PEN-10503 Ecology I; PEN- 20503 Ecology II and CBI- 10306 Celbiology.

Contents:

In their struggle for survival, organisms have to adapt continuously to changes in their abiotic and biotic environment. This course focuses on the molecular mechanisms and consequences of these adaptations for individual organisms and interactions among organisms. Attention will be paid to various (a)biotic factors including temperature, drought, feeding conditions, photoperiodicity, intraspecific competition, symbiosis and parasitism. Common mechanisms and key concepts across kingdoms underlying adaptation and plasticity will be analysed in depth. Examples will be shown how environmental conditions affect signal transduction pathways leading to adaptive changes in ecology, behaviour and phenology. Special topics will address hibernation, breeding cycles in birds, invasion of Northern Hemisphere by exotic species and co-evolution of pants and animals.

Learning outcomes:

The student should be able to:
- understand adaptation mechanisms of organisms in response to biotic and abiotic stress factors, and how these affect their interactions;
- have insight in common patterns across kingdoms underlying adaptation and plasticity;
- translate the effects of changing environmental conditions into adaptations in behaviour, phenology and ecology;
- design and perform experiments in ecophysiology;
- interpret data and report through oral and written presentations.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- reading and discussing scientific papers;
- participating in the practical course.
During the practical course, experimental results are discussed and a scientific report is written.

Examination:

- written test of 20 open questions (60%);
- two interim reports on practical assignments (40%);
The minimum mark for the written test is a 5, for each of the interim reports a minimum mark of 5.5 is required.

Literature:

Course guide
Scientific publications.