Description

This is an introductory course in ecology with special emphasis on the marine and coastal environment. While emphasizing ecosystem pattern and processes, this course introduces ecological principles of both population and community ecology and strives to relate ecological knowledge to the broader context of the many global environmental challenges we face today. Lectures cover i) basic concepts: Diversity of life and evolutionary origin. Distribution and dispersal, principles of population growth and species interactions. Primary production, decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, their trophic dynamics and food webs. Relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability and ecosystem functioning, disturbance and succession of communities; ii) human induced impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, including fisheries and aquaculture, pollution and climate change as well as introduction to ecosystem conservation. Discussion sessions and writing assignments serve to deepen understanding of selected theoretical and practical concepts, approaches or applications as well as to train students in reading and writing scientific papers.

Goals, aims and teaching objectives:

The goal of this course is primarily threefold. Students should gain i) basic understanding of ecological principles and processes, their characteristics, ecological importance and human induced impacts and its consequences; ii) experience and practice in reading and writing scientific papers, leading discussion on ecological topics and communicate ecological knowledge orally; iii) understanding of the importance of ecological knowledge as a fundamental pillar for supporting decision-making.

Learning outcomes

1. Knowledge and understanding
a. The student understands the role of ecology in environment and natural resources studies and management and its importance for decision-making.
b. The student understands the basic ecological principles of population, community and ecosystem ecology as well as the main patterns and processes of the marine ecosystems.
2. Practical ability and skills
a. The student will gain practice in reading and writing sections of scientific papers.
3. Theoretical ability
a. The student has knowledge and understanding of the most important theories, and concepts in ecology, especially as it relates to the marine environment.
4. Communication skills and information literacy
a. The student can read most scientific papers in ecology and critically review and discuss basic ecological subjects in an oral and a written form.

Assessment

TBA

Instructor

Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson.

Guest lecturer

Further reading