The Ecology of Natural and Managed Ecosystems
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG1035 | Environmental & Geographical Sciences | 1 | 20 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- GEOG1035
- School
- Environmental & Geographical Sciences
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
This module introduces the principles of ecology at a first year level. The module covers:
- Evolutionary aspects of ecology.
- Organisms and their environment: physical, chemical and biotic factors limiting species distribution; capture and utilization of resources by organisms; the niche concept; life cycles and dispersal.
- Population Ecology: intraspecific and interspecific competition; predation; parasitism and mutualism.
- Community Ecology: diversity and stability of communities; patterns of species richness; the concept of a climax community; energy flow and nutrient cycling.
The module explores definitions of biodiversity and explores the value of biodiversity. The loss of species and habitats is discussed with particular reference to semi natural and managed habitats such as forest and agricultural land.
Target Students
Environmental Science students Available to JYA/Erasmus students.
Classes
- One 3-hour seminar each week for 2 weeks
- One 1-hour practicum each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour practicum
- One 3-hour practicum
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 6 weeks
- One 6-hour field studies each week for 2 weeks
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Coursework
- 20% Coursework 2: Coursework 2
- 60% Exam 1 (1-hour-30-minute): Essay questions
Educational Aims
Educational Aims: To give students a general understanding of the interactions of organisms with one another and with the physical and chemical environment. Students will learn about different levels from the biosphere to the population and learn how an understanding of ecology can help us manage our environment.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Define basic concepts and definitions within ecology and ecological processes.
2. Identify processes within food-webs, trophic levels and energy cycling with reference to natural and managed ecosystems
3. Recognise links between population dynamics and interactions on scales from individual to biome in both natural and managed ecosystems.
4. Give examples of genetic, morphological and behavioural adaptations to survival in a range of biomes and how this links to niche theory and overall life strategies.
5. Develop an awareness of environmental ethics and the various philosophical approaches that might held by a variety of stakeholders.
6. Discuss the implication of intensive agriculture, high input systems and the difficulties in managing them sustainably.
7. Analyse field data and present in a visual and oral form.
Conveners
- Prof Christopher Neil Gibbins