Biological Diversity: Patterns and Processes

5 credits

Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1MB203

A revised version of the syllabus is available.
Code
1MB203
Education cycle
First cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Biology G1F
Grading system
Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 14 April 2015
Responsible department
Biology Education Centre

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

  • exemplify the organisms' adaptations to environmental factors
  • describe the factors and processes that affect biodiversity locally and globally
  • describe basic theories of speciation, and exemplify the diversity of the organismal world in a phylogenetic perspective
  • explain the benefits of biodiversity and the threats from human activity
  • discuss how biotechnological applications may affect biodiversity
  • summarise the relevant technical/scientific texts in a concise way so that other students can understand them
  • discuss ethical issues concerning biodiversity.

Content

  • Adaptations and niches
  • Biodiversity at the local level: proliferation, interactions and other processes
  • Biodiversity at the global level: biomes
  • Speciation and phylogeny
  • Conservation biology and biotechnological applications
  • Ethical considerations on biodiversity.

Instruction

Lectures, demonstrations and seminars. Literature project including a summary and ethical considerations based on relevant material. This also includes providing feedback on other student's texts.

Assessment

The theoretical part includes a written examination at the end of the course. The Literature project is presented in groups orally and in writing. Theory 3 credits; Literature project with ethics 2 credits.

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