Ecology

Academic year: 2010-2011 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: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties The student should have the knowledge of several basic chemical principles, a number of physical laws and mathematical concepts. The student knows and understands the laws of thermodynamics, the essentials of carbon chemistry (organic chemistry), principles of inorganic chemistry (oxidation and reduction, pH acidity, etc....), and the competence to solve differential equations. The student should also have some basic background of plant and animal sciences. The course is being tought in Dutch. *Sequentiality Physics, part 1 (1BBIR-062) OR Physics I (1BCHE-062)Chemistry, Part I: Chemical Bonds and Thermodynamics (1BBIR-081) AND Chemistry, Part II (1BBIR-091) AND Botany (1BBIR-10) AND Zoology (1BBIR-11) 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) From this Ecology course the student acquires a general introduction to ecology. The student gets familiar with the most important basic concepts and principles of ecology that 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 Closed book 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 Questions for further clarification or for more information can be asked before or after each class. For a more elaborated discussion or clarification, it is suggested to make an appointment with the professor. Coordinates: see further below or via Reinhart.Ceulemans@ua.ac.be   laatste aanpassing: last update: 07/01/2010 18:03 reinhart.ceulemans