Courses list

Wersja polska

Course code: BBS10168o15
Semester: 2015/2016 winter
Name: General Ecology
Major: Biology
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 5
ECTS points: 4
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 35 / 0
Lecturer: dr Elżbieta Kowalska
Language of instruction: Polish / English
The course taught in English if the group has ≥6 students. The course taught in Polish with a possibility of support in English if the group has <6 students.

Learning outcomes: Knowledge Student: W1 – knows the basic concepts and techniques of ecological research [KB_W06; KB_W15; KB_W17]; W2 - understands the rules regulating the functioning of ecological systems at different nature organization [KB_W15; KB_W18]; W3 – is able to link environmental factors with their influence on the structure and functioning of organisms in the forming of ecological systems [KB_W15]; W4 - understands the importance of the human activities impact on earth ecosystems [KB_W15]. Skills Student: U1 - analyses basic ecological definitions, structures and functioning of biological systems at the population, biocoenosis, ecosystem, landscape and biosphere level [KB_U11]; U2 - is able to determine the relations between organisms and their environment [KB_U03; KB_U11]; U3 – correctly interprets the ecological structure of selected animal populations [KB_U11; KB_U17]; U4 – carry out observations of ecosystems in the field and can use techniques of ecological research [KB_U06; KB_U11; KB_U13].

Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 - understands the role of man in the process of environment development [KB_K06]; K2- is able to apply ecology laws in protecting the environment and nature [KB_K04]; K3 – feels responsibility for the given equipment [KB_K08]; K4 – is able to undertake job connected with the widely understand environment and nature protection in the ecology services and government administration [KB_K04; KB_K05; KB_K04].

Prerequisites: invertebrate zoology I, II, vertebrate zoology, systematic botany

Course content: The scope and methods of research in ecology. Limiting factors. Population, biocoenosis, ecosystem, landscape - the structure and functioning. Succession. Biodiversity and the Biocenotic balance. Climates, soils and biomes of the Earth. Biogeography. Circulation of the mattery and energy flow. Structure and productivity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Ecology and environmental and nature protection. Sustainable development.

Recommended literature: basic: 1. Banaszak J., Wiśniewski H.: Podstawy ekologii, Wyd. Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2005; 2. Krebs Ch.: Ekologia. Eksperymentalna analiza rozmieszczenia i liczebności, PWN, Warszawa 2011; 3. Weiner J.: Życie i ewolucja biosfery, PWN, Warszawa 2012; supplementary: 1. Falińska K.: Ekologia roślin, PWN, Warszawa 2004; 2. Kornaś J., Medwecka-Kornaś A.: Geografia roślin, PWN, Warszawa 2002; 3. Stanley S.M.: Historia Ziemi, PWN, Warszawa 2003.

Assessment methods: Subject assessment: on the basis of the positive grade of tutorials. Rating of theory (lecture) - 50% Rating of tutorials - 50% Two written test to assess (including the lectures’ and tutorials’ content); 10 open-ended questions; duration 45 minutes; 60% of correct answers - satisfactory, 65% - satisfactory plus, 75% - good, 85% - good plus, 95% - very good. Improving test (10 open-ended questions, duration 45 minutes) within a period of no longer than two weeks. Completion of the course based on the average of the ratings. Assessment of tutorials: rated project (multimedia presentation and written paper), field research report,ongoing evaluation (based on additional tests and/or oral statements), learning progress and the activity.The presence at tutorials is compulsory. The student may have one unauthorized absence. Course assessment based on average grade.

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