 Ecology
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| Academic year: | 2007-2008 | | Course code module | VKBIR_02K00010 | | Semester: | 2nd semester | | Credits: | 3 | | Study load (hours) | 84 | | Theory (hours): | 30,00 | | Practice/Exercises(hours): | | | Other (hours): | | | Part-time program: | 1 | | Instructor(s) | Reinhart Ceulemans
| | Language of instruction: | Dutch | | Semester exam information: | semester exam in June | | Contract restriction information: | |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
*Sequentiality
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
This Ecology course aims to provide a general introduction to ecology. The most important basic concepts and principles of ecology will be introduced, explained and illustrated with a variety of examples.
3. Course content
As much as possible the mutual interactions between organisms and their physical and biotic environment are approached from a nature philosophy point of view by illustrating the generally valid laws and relationships, rather than through the classical nature historical approach of description and classification of facts. The following concepts and aspects are introduced: relationships and interactions between organisms and their physical environment; exchanges of radiation, heat, mass and momentum with special reference to morphological and physiological adaptations. Fundamental ecological principles and concepts; structure, function, dynamics, development and evolution of ecosystems (individual, population, community, abiotic units), energy flow and biogeochemical cycles; ecosystem types, ecosystem management, and systems ecology. Global change issues. Chapters of the course materials: Preface. 1. General introduction to ecology, 2. Radiation, energy and photosynthesis, 3. Energy flow and productivity in ecosystems, 4. Biogeochemical cycles, 5. Populations: structure and dynamics, 6. Communities and ecosystems, 7. Food, energy and society, 8. Global changes and greenhouse effect.
4. Teaching method
Direct contact: Lectures
5. Assessment method
Exam: Oral, with written preparation
6. Compulsory reading – study material
Printed course materials (in Dutch) 'Ecologie' (R. Ceulemans). Syllabus.
7. Recommended reading - study material
A list of selected, recommended text books and reference works is being provided. All these books can be consulted in the UA library, Drie Eiken campus.
8. Tutoring
laatste aanpassing: last update: 04/04/2008 14:32 reinhart.ceulemans
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