Entry requirements

Biology, 80 credits equivalent basic course in biology within the Bachelor programme in biology and Floristics and faunistics 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

The course gives an overview of ongoing ecological research and constitutes a basis for second-cycle studies and work within fields requiring knowledge in ecology, e.g. nature conservation. After completing the course, the student should be able to

• account for basic evolutionary theory and life histories
• account for behavioural-ecological theories of sexual selection, foraging, altruism, cooperation, signalling and communication
• account for theories of population dynamics, interspecific competition and trophic interactions in food webs
• explain which factors influence species richness and dynamics in plant and animal communities
• identify ecological theories and processes that are relevant to conservation
• carry out simple computer simulations of population dynamics
• plan and carry out an ecological study and present and evaluate the results orally and in writing.

Content

Behavioural ecology including the connection between ecology, evolutionary theory, sexual selection and foraging, mating systems, kinship, altruism, cooperation and group living, adaptations to biological enemies, the evolution of signals and communication, and basic life history. In the population ecology part, models for population growth and population regulation are included. At the community level, the course includes models for interspecific competition and trophic interactions (e g Lotka-Volterra models, Tilman's model for plant competition, harvesting models), drivers of succession and other changes in plant and animal communities, equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes as explanations to variation in species richness and food web theory. Several parts that are relevant to future employment within the ecology-conservation sector are included, such as quantitative methods and computer simulations.

Instruction

The course comprises a field course and a theory part in which are included lectures, computer simulations, calculation exercises, seminars and field trips. Participation in field course, excursions, seminars and computer exercises is compulsory. The course includes integrated communication training with feedback and self-assessment.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 12 credits; Field course 3 credits;

The theory part is examined through a written examination. Active participation in seminars, excursions and exercises is required. The results of the field course are presented both orally and in writing (academic paper).

Other directives

1BG200 Ecology C and 1BG382 Ecology D can not be included in the same degree.