Basic ecology
Course description
The course provides an orientation of basic ecological and evolutionary theory, with an outlook towards applied contexts in green industries like horticulture, agriculture, and silviculture. You will learn the fundamentals of how organisms adapt to their environment, and the processes governing population change and the structuring and function of both natural ecosystems and agroecosystems in a landscape context. The course combines lectures with literature seminars, an excursion and thematic literature projects on specific topics to address ecological theory and practice from many different perspectives.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
BI1394, Basic ecology, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
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 basic knowledge of evolutionary and ecological theory, with concrete examples for their relevance for practical conservation and green industries like horticulture, agriculture, silviculture, and for landscape planning.
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
- describe basic evolutionary and ecological principles
- describe different levels of ecological organisation and ecological principles
- describe similarities and differences between human-organized crop production ecosystems and the ecology of natural environments
Content
The course comprises a theoretical part, with lectures about evolutionary and ecologial theory, complemented by seminars, excursions, practical exercises and a minor in-depth study about basic ecology.
Basic evolutionary and ecological theory:
- 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 work covering parts of ecological theory, finalized with an oral presentation. The course material consists of basic information provided via lectures, excursions and course literature, and discussed at seminars.
Scheduled excursions, exercises, supervision, seminars, and presentations have mandatory attendance.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Examination includes a written test, participation and presentation of exercises, oral presentation of in-depth literature study, and participation in seminars. For a passing grade a written test, reports and participation in mandatory components of the course are required.
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 | 0102 |
| Literature project | 2.5 | 0104 |
| Excursion and Seminar 1 | 1.0 | 0003 |
The Course Replaces
BI1260, BI1363
Other Information
The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on. If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.