NBID03 Population ecology: theories and applications, ECTS-points
/EKOLOGISK TEORI OCH DESS TILLÄMPNINGAR/

Advancement level:
D

Aim:
To provide a deepened understanding of concepts and theories in population and community ecology and their applications to some important practical ecological problems. To prepare for research and give experience in the scientific method of working. Theory and philosophy of science and history of ideas in the field of biology will therefore be a part of the course.

Prerequisites:
Basic program of biology with fullfilled "threshold"-demands (passed 50p with a min of 25p theory). Passed NBIB08 Ecology 5p and NBIA04 Mathematics 5p or equivalent courses, and at least participation of an advanced course in ecology (10p).

Course organization:
Lectures, laboratory work (computer simulations of ecological models) and seminars. The course is to a large extent based on independent work (individually and in small groups), both with theory and computer simulations. Both theory and results from laboratory work are presented at seminars in oral and written reports. Students shall also write a review paper over a specific area in applied ecology. Seminars are compulsory.

Course content:
Structure and dynamics of populations and ecological communities in space and time. Use of concepts and theories from these areas on some applied ecological problems, such as: protection of endangered species and biodiversity; biological control of pest species; harvesting of natural resources; effects of alien species on ecological communities; vulnerability and recovery ability of ecosystems subjected to disturbances. And possibly: ecological aspects of epidemiology; growth of the human population.

Course literature:
Akcakaya, Burgman & Ginzburg. 1997. Applied population ecology. Appl. Biomath. Pimm. 1991. The balance of nature? Ecological issues in the conservation of species and communities. The Univ. of Chicago Press. Chalmers. 1995. Vad är vetenskap egentligen? Scientific papers

UPG1Approved review paper, seminars, oral and written reports. 7 credits
VET1Theory and philosophy of science (approved seminars). 3 credits
Course language is .