Course overview
This course is designed to teach the application of ecological theory to future ecosystem managers and scientists. A large proportion of the assessment is based on field experience and practical sessions, which provide practice in survey methods, field techniques, the scientific approach, decision-making, and professional writing for the scientific community. The scientific method and scientific writing, population ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, succession, ecotones, vegetation associations, animal ecology and behaviour, physiological ecology, food webs and energy flow, nutrient cycles, restoration ecology, evolution and mutualisms, ecological research.
Course learning outcomes
- Define and explain the main topics of ecological theory, ethics, and the management applications of ecological principles.
- Use a range of library and other professional resources for the investigation of ecological topics.
- Plan an ecological survey/field work/scientific project, collect and analyse field data, and write and present a scientific article as a group.
- Appraise ecological issues and problems, and find practical solutions with social and global considerations.
- Be ecologically literate, both in written and oral work.