701-0328-00L Advanced Ecological Processes
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2018 |
| Lecturers | J. Levine |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Comment | For students of the following study programmes only: Biology Master Teaching certificate Biology Environmental Sciences Master UZH MNF Biology UZH MNF Geography /Earth Sciences |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0328-00 V | Advanced Ecological Processes | 2 hrs |
| J. Levine |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | This course presents the theoretical and empirical approaches used to understand the ecological processes structuring communities. Central problems in community ecology including the dynamics of species interactions, the influence of spatial structure, the controls over species invasions, and community responses to environmental change will be explored from basic and applied perspectives. |
| Objective | Students will understand how ecological processes operate in natural communities. They will appreciate how mathematical theory, field experimentation, and observational studies combine to generate a predictive science of ecological processes, and how this predictive science informs conservation and management decisions. Upon completing the course, students will be able to: Understand the factors determining the outcome of species interactions in communities, and how this information informs management. Apply theoretical knowledge on species interactions to predict the potential outcomes of novel species introductions. Understanding the role of spatial structure in mediating population dynamics and persistence, species interactions, and patterns of species diversity. Use population and community models to predict the stability of interactions between predators and prey and between different competitors. Understand the conceptual basis of predictions concerning how ecological communities will respond to climate change. Discuss the types of conceptual advances ecology as a science can realistically achieve, and how these relate to the applications of the discipline. |
| Content | Lectures supplemented with readings from the primary literature and occasional computer exercises will focus on understanding central processes in community ecology. Topics will include demographic and spatial structure, consumer resource interactions, food webs, competition, mutualism, invasion, the maintenance of species diversity, and species effects on ecosystem processes. Each of these more conceptual topics will be discussed in concert with their applications to the conservation and management of species and communities in a changing world. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 4 credits |
| Examiners | J. Levine |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | written 90 minutes |
| Written aids | only calculator |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| Priority | Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group |
| Primary target group | Biology MSc (562000)
UZH MNF Biology (573100) Teaching Diploma in Biology (579000) UZH MNF Geography/Earth System Sciences (674200) Environmental Sciences MSc (736000) |
Offered in
| Programme | Section | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology Master | Compulsory Concept Courses | O |  |
| Environmental Sciences Master | A. Fundamentals | W | |