Ecology D
Syllabus, Master's level, 1BG382
- Code
- 1BG382
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Biology A1N
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 20 October 2016
- Responsible department
- Biology Education Centre
Entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry or 30 credits in earth science, or (2) 90 credits in biology.
Learning outcomes
The course gives an overview of ongoing ecological research and constitutes a basis for studies for second-cycle studies and work within fields requiring knowledge in ecologyranging from research in evolutionary ecology to practical work in nature conservation.
After completing the course, the student should be able to
- account for behavioural-ecological theories of sexual selection, foraging, altruism, cooperation, signalling and communication
- demonstrate understanding of plant and animal life histories
- quantify and interpret diversity patterns
- account for theories of population dynamics, interspecific competition and trophic interactions in food webs
- carry out simple computer simulations of population dynamics
- plan, carry out and statistically evaluate an ecological study and present the results orally and in writing
- critically review and discuss primary scientific texts in Ecology.
In the course, an introduction to Master's studies is included. After passing this module, the student should be able to
- demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development, including questions of plagiarism
- demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of biology and its role in society
- demonstrate an ability to identify his/her need of further knowledge.
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. Ecology and evolution of plant life histories, covering seed germination and dispersal as well as pollination ecology and an introduction to plant demography. Quantification and interpreation of diversity patterns. Models for population growth and population regulation as well as for interspecific competition and trophic interactions (e.g. Lotka-Volterra models, harvesting models), and food web theory.
Instruction
The course comprises a field course and a theory part that consists oflectures, computer simulations, calculation exercisesand seminars . . The course includes integrated communication training with feedback and self-assessment.
Assessment
Modules: Theory 10 credits; Field course 3 credits; Introduction to Master's studies 2 credits, alternatively a literature project 2 credits.
The theory part is examined through a written examination and requires active participation in seminarsand exercises. The field course is presented both in writing (project report) and orally. For the introduction to Master's studies, active participation in seminars, written report and fulfiled study planning are required, alternatively a literature project that requires a written report.
Other directives
The course can not at the same time be included with 1BG200 Ecology.
Reading list
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2024
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2023, version 2
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2023, version 1
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2021
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2019
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2018
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2017
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2016
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2015
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2011
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2009
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2007