701-0243-01L  Biology III: Essentials of Ecology

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	This introductory lecture in ecology covers basic ecological concepts and the most important levels of complexity in ecological research. Ecological concepts are exemplified by using aquatic and terrestrial systems; corresponding methodological approaches are demonstrated. Threats to biodiversity and the appropriate management are discussed.
Learning objective	The objective of this lecture is to teach basic ecological concepts and the different levels of complexity in ecological research. The students should learn ecological concepts at these different levels in the context of concrete examples from terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Corresponding methods for studying the systems will be presented. A further aim of the lecture is that students achieve an understanding of biodiversity, why it is threatened and how it can be managed.
Content	- Biodiversity: variation, threats and conservation - Influence of environmental factors on organisms; adaptation to environmental conditions - Population dynamics: causes, description, prediction and regulation - Interactions between species (competition, coexistence, predation, parasitism, food webs) - Ecological communities: structure, stability, succession - Ecosystems: compartments, material and energy flows
Lecture notes	Documents, lecture slides, exercises and relevant literature are available in Moodle. The documents for the next lecture will be available on Friday morning at the latest.
Literature	Required reading: Begon, M.E., Howarth, R.W., Townsend, C.R. (2017): Ökologie. 3. Aufl. Springer Verlag, Berlin.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies fostered Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making fostered Problem-solving fostered Social Competencies Communication fostered Cooperation and Teamwork fostered Sensitivity to Diversity fostered Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility fostered Creative Thinking fostered Critical Thinking fostered Self-awareness and Self-reflection fostered Self-direction and Self-management fostered

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
In examination block for	Bachelor's Degree Programme in Agricultural Sciences 2015; Version 01.03.2019 (Examination Block) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Engineering 2010; Version 07.03.2018 (Examination Block 1) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Engineering 2022 (First Year Examination Block A) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Sciences 2016; Version 29.09.2023 (Examination Block) Bachelor's Degree Programme in Food Science 2016; Version 25.05.2023 (Examination Block)
ECTS credits	3 credits
Examiners	J. Alexander
Type	session examination
Language of examination	German
Repetition	The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination	written 60 minutes
Written aids	keine ausser Wörterbuch (gedruckt) für Fremdsprachige Taschenrechner (Pocket calculator)
If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Agricultural Sciences Bachelor	First Year Examinations	O
Environmental Engineering Bachelor	First Year Examination Block A	O
Environmental Sciences Bachelor	First Year Examinations	O