Courses: BIO102 Organismal Biology 2 - Autumn 2024

Credits

10.0

ECTS Credits

Level of Study

Bachelor

Language of Instruction

Norwegian

Teaching semester

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application in the spring semester.

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The course aims to develop the students' knowledge of population ecology, community ecology, ecosystems, and conservation ecology. Through a combination of field work and lectures, students will be trained in the identification of species, and will develop an understanding of how species are adapted to the environment they live in, what requirements they impose on the environment, and how species interact and depend on each other. In addition, some of the special challenges they have in the conservation of biodiversity in the Nordic countries will be discussed (endangered species and habitats, blacklists, etc.). Furthermore, the course will include an introduction to scientific methods in the field used to study the mentioned aspects.

In addition to lectures, the course contain a large proportion practical teaching in the field.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students should:

have a basic understanding of population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystems.
be able to explain the different biomes, and biome distribution in the world
have knowledge of the most important factors that influence species distribution globally and locally
have an understanding how species interact and affect each other positively and negatively
be able to describe biodiversity in an area and discuss the factors that affect biodiversity
be able to describe and understand the dynamic processes both for populations and communities on shorter and longer time scales
be able to explain simple biogeographical principles, such as equilibrium model for island biogeography.
understand how life history traits affect the ecology of the species
be able to explain the main threats to biodiversity today, especially in the Nordic countries and the world in general, and what instruments to use in the preservation of biodiversity
be able to identify a given set of species of plants, animals and fungi, and be able to use literature to identify other species in western Norway
know the main environmental factors on the distribution of species in the Nordic countries
understand the importance of interactions between prokaryotes and Eukaryotic plants and animals as well as the importance and function of prokaryotic organisms in biogeochemical cycles
have an understanding of the methods used in ecology

Required Previous Knowledge

Recommended Previous Knowledge

BIO100 and BIO101.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

BIO111 Zoologi (5 SP), BIO112 Botanikk (5 SP), BIO113 Mikrobiologi (5 SP).

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation on field courses.

Forms of Assessment

Portfolio assessment

Examination Support Material

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade, grade F is a fail.

Reading List

The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and January 1st for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the programme and courses.

Contact Information

This course is administered by the Department of Biological Sciences.

Contact studie@bio.uib.no