Principles of Ecology (U03564)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : GEO-2-ECO

An introduction to the factors determining the distribution and patterns of abundance of organisms, and which relate plant and animal populations to their environment. It includes the physiological ecology of plants and animals, the life history strategies by which organisms adapt to their environments, and the ecological significance of genetic variability. The importance of evolutionary history for understanding patterns of distribution will also be emphasised. A practical project report must be submitted as part of the course.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Origin & Diversity of Life and Quantification in the Life Sciences are recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Ecological Science, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 6 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2006	10:00	13:00	Room G.126, Peter Wilson Building (Agriculture)	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	09:50	KB
Laboratory	Wednesday	10:00	13:00	KB
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	13:10	13:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Lectures: Mon, Thur, Fri (weeks 1-11)
Practicals: Wed (weeks 1-8)
Presentations: Wed (weeks 9-10)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will gain an understanding of the factors controlling the abundance and distribution of organisms globally. Students will be familiarised with the ecological theory explaining patterns of spatial and temporal variations in species numbers. Students will also learn how to design a scientific research project related to an ecological question: to formulate clear, precise and potentially answerable questions; to collect unbiased data; and to test hypothesis.

Assessment Information

The course will be marked as 1/3 practical + 2/3 exam. Both practical and exam have a minimum pass mark of 35%. An overall aggregate mark of 40% is required.