BI1397, Basic and applied ecology, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology

Biology Area

Ecology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course will provide the students with considerable knowledge and understanding of evolutionary and ecological theory, inluding their application in practical conservation and green industries like like horticulture, agriculture, silviculture, and within landscape planning. Particular focus will be placed on application of ecological theories and explanatory models in concrete situations.

After completion of the course, students should be able to:

• explain and apply basic evolutionary and ecological principles
• account for different levels of ecological organisation and ecological processes
• describe similarities and differences between human-organized crop production ecosystems and the ecology of natural environments.
• discuss and independently analyze problems and questions within ecology and its applications within green industries and biological conservation.
• demonstrate an ability to plan, present, analyze and discuss an experiment or empirical observational study using ecological conepts

Content

The course comprises a theoretical part, with lectures about evolutionary and ecologial theory, including seminars, excursions, practical exercises and a minor in-depth study about basic ecology; a greater literature study (case study) combining ecological theory with applications, and an empirical experimental/observational project.

• Evolutionary theory: evolutionary adaptation of organisms to their environment; biotic and abiotic factors.
• Population ecology: dynamics, growth, regulation and cycles
• Systems ecology: the ecosystem concept
• Food chains: trophic levels, trophic webs (predation, parasitism, herbivory, competition)
• Energy flows, nutrient flows, decomposition
• Communities, succession, the niche concept
• Concrete examples of conservation ecology within green industries and cultural landscapes

-Short in-depth literature study covering parts of ecological theory, finalized with an oral presentation.

• Case study: In-depth studies with applications within the student’s own selected area of interest, finalized with an oral presentation.
• Project: materials and methods for developing and investigate ecological questions. Hypothesis testing. Finalized with an oral presentation.

The basic part comprises informaton that is presented in lectures, excursion and course literature, discussed in seminars, and a small in-depth literature study. The applied or specialized part comprises the individual case study (literature study) and empirical ecologial project.

Scheduled excursions, practical exercises, supervision, seminars and presentations are mandatory.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Basic evolutionary and ecological theory: Examination includes a written test, participation and presentation of exercises, oral presentation of basic literature study, and participation in seminars. Case study: individual hand-in of presentation materials and participation in seminars, and oral presentation. Project: Individual hand-in of presentation materials and participation in discussions about the projects, and oral presentation.  If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.  If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.  If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.  For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Syllabus for Horticultural Management – Gardening and Horticultural Production (BSc)
• Horticultural Management - Gardening and Horticultural Production, Bachelor's Programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Basic examination	4.0	0001
Excursion and seminar 1	1.0	0002
Literature project	2.5	0003
Excursion exercises and seminars 2	1.5	0004
Advanced exam (oral)	2.0	0005
Case study	4.0	0006

Other Information

During period 1a the course is given together with BI1394 Basic Ecology. The contents of the courses including evolutionary and ecological theory are essentially the same during this period. period. In the present course additional contents including case study and empirical project are also included, which are initiated already during the first half of the present course.