BIO1103 Principles and Fundamentals of Ecology

This course will provide a foundation in ecology.  The course will examine the complex interrelations between organisms and the abiotic environment, and attempts to show patterns and explain mechanisms behind the patterns. It will cover organisms, populations, and communities, and also discuss ecological limits caused by the physical environment, ecosystem ecology and flows of energy and nutrients.  Population ecology including how to determine populations of organisms will also be treated.  The last component will cover the impact of human interactions on the environment.

Course objectives
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

• Discuss key historical developments in ecology.
• Investigate ways organisms interact directly and indirectly with their physical environment, and with each other.
• Describe the key principles and concepts in ecological energetics and nutrient cycles.
• Apply knowledge and skills acquired in ecology in the conservation of our environment and its resources.

Expected outcomes

• Graduates with competences to discuss key historical developments in ecology
• Competences and skills to investigate ways organisms interact directly and indirectly with their physical environment, and with each other
• Graduates with abilities to describe the key principles and concepts in ecological energetics and nutrient cycles
• Graduates able to apply knowledge and skills acquired in ecology in the conservation of our environment and its resources