Course syllabus

Terrester ekologi
Terrestrial Ecology

EXTA01, 10 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2016-04-08

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Compulsory for: W1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to mediate knowledge in ecology from an evolutionary perspective.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to understand the structure and dynamics of ecosystems
• understand connections between biological and chemical-physical processes in the soil
• understand the connection between natural processes and anthropogenic effects of ecosystems

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• develop his/her skills in verbal and written communication.
• be trained in searching and evaluating scientific literature.

Contents

• the course contains the theoretical base of population and ecosystem ecology
• theories of biodiversity and stability of ecosystems will be connected to trophic interactions in ecosystems
• decomposition and nutrient cycling in natural and disturbed ecosystems will be viewed from the terrestrial ecosystems
• knowledge of organisms from micro organisms to plant communities, and their interactions will be taught also will practicals
• examples will be given on current environmental issues in terrestrial ecosystems, on local and global scale

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam. Compulsory excercises, labs and excursions.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: VVR111 Hydrology and Aquatic Ecology.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: TEK010

Reading list

• Elements of Ecology by Thomas M Smith and Robert Leo Smith.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Professor Håkan Wallander, Hakan.Wallander@biol.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.biologi.lu.se/utbildning/grund-och-avancerad-utbildning/kurser/kurser-grundniva/biologiska-kurser-pa-grundniva-for-teknologer
Further information: 16 hrs of field excersizes included in labs.