Island biology Course Code : 2001WETEIL Study domain: Biology Semester: Semester: 2nd semester Contact hours: 68 Credits: 6 Study load (hours): 168 Contract restrictions: Exam contract not possible Language of instruction : Dutch Exam period: exam in the 2nd semester Tutor(s) Raoul Van Damme Erik Matthysen   1. Prerequisites At the start of this course the student should have acquired the following competences: Specific prerequisites for this course: Principles of ecology, evolution biology, nature conservation, biostatistics. 2. Learning outcomes The objective is to gain knowledge on the ecology and evolution of insular populations and communities. Students must see how studies of the biology of island populations can contribute to our knowledge of ecology and evolution in general, and nature conservation in particular. They must learn why many native island populations are currently under threat of extinction. They must also learn how to translate theoretical insights gained during the course into practical research questions and how to test these. 3. Course contents This course describes how and why islands have played a crucial role in the development of ecological and evolutionary theory. Because of their relatively simple flora and fauna, and because of the availability of replicates, islands in archipelagos have been called natural ecological and evolutionary laboratories. With the current worldwide fragmentation of natural habitats, insights from island biology seem more relevant than ever. This course introduces the ecological and evolutionary trends and processes that shape island populations and communities. 4. Teaching method Class contact teaching: Lectures Laboratory sessions Placement Project-based work: In group 5. Assessment method and criteria Examination: Oral with written preparation Open-question Practical examination Continuous assessment: Assignments 6. Study material Required reading Course notes, powerpoint presentations, original research papers. Optional reading The following study material can be studied on a voluntary basis: Whittaker R.J. & Fernandez-Palacios J.M. 2007. Island biogeography. Oxford University Press, Oxford. McArthur R.H. & Wilson E.O. 2001. The theory of island biogeography. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Grant P. (ed). 1997. Evolution on islands. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Brown J.H. & Lomolino M.V. 1998. Biogeography. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA. Thornton I. & New T. 2007. Island colonization. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Quammen D. 1996. The song of the dodo. Hutchison, London.   7. Contact information (+)last update: 30/07/2012 11:07 jan.vos

Inhoudsverantwoordelijke(n) : Facultaire administratie