Autumn.
This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester.
It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans (the biosphere) and their physical environment. Ecology also helps us understand how we can use Earth¿s resources sustainably, as well the benefits that ecosystems can bring to society. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of a range of ecological concepts which influence ecological processes at a variety of scales. By the end of this course we aim that you will have a thorough understanding of the fundamental processes that influence organisms at different levels of organization (from individuals up to the whole biosphere). Note that the topics covered builds on information from foundation-level courses BIO100 and BIO102. The topics covered in this course should then provide the foundation for then applying this knowledge in other ecological contexts- from applied (e.g. in conservation management), to theoretical (e.g predicting the dynamics of fish populations), and for more advanced studies in more specialized courses (e.g. behavioural ecology, palaeoecology).
In addition to providing a grounding in ecological theory, there is an important focus on learning the key attributes and techniques that is required to be a professional ecologist. Thus we will aim to give you training in applying the ecological theory you have learned through the tools and techniques that ecologists use practically day-to-day. You will practice interpreting figures and tables from the primary literature, develop your own hypotheses and conduct experiments and analyses, create your own diagrams and tests using R. You will gain experience with engaging and thinking around the primary literature, placing new studies and ideas into context, and in developing skills in academic writing. Throughout the course we hope that you can apply your knowledge to consider the relevance of ecology in society.
The course takes a Team Based Learning format, and is structured into 5 main modules, each themed around understanding ecological processes at a given level of organization:
For each module there is a set list of reading and tasks to complete before the first part of the module. In the class time you will carry out a series of individual and team-based tasks that aim to deepen and broaden your understanding of the material you have read before the class. Each module has its own set of assessments that will contribute to your overall final grade.
Knowledge:
Skills:
General Competencies:
This course is administered by the Department of Biological Sciences.
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