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Biology III: Essentials of Ecology
Biologie III: Ökologie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:32
Abstract
This introductory lecture in ecology covers basic ecological concepts and the most important levels of complexity in ecological research. Ecological concepts are exemplified by using aquatic and terrestrial systems; corresponding methodological approaches are demonstrated. Threats to biodiversity and the appropriate management are discussed.
Objective
The objective of this lecture is to teach basic ecological concepts and the different levels of complexity in ecological research. The students should learn ecological concepts at these different levels in the context of concrete examples from terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Corresponding methods for studying the systems will be presented. A further aim of the lecture is that students achieve an understanding of biodiversity, why it is threatened and how it can be managed.
Content
- Einfluss von Umweltfaktoren (Temperatur, Strahlung, Wasser, Nährstoffe etc.) auf Organismen; Anpassung an bestimmte Umweltbedingungen - Populationsdynamik: Ursachen, Beschreibung, Vorhersage und Regulation - Interaktionen zwischen Arten (Konkurrenz, Koexistenz, Prädation, Parasitismus, Nahrungsnetze) - Lebensgemeinschaften: Struktur, Stabilität, Sukzession - Ökosysteme: Kompartimente, Stoff- und Energieflusse - Biodiversität: Variation, Ursachen, Gefährdung und Erhaltung - Aktuelle Naturschutzprobleme und -massnahmen - Evolutionäre Ökologie: Methodik, Spezialisierung, Koevolution
Resources
Lecture Notes
Unterlagen, Vorlesungsfolien und relevante Literatur sind in Moddle abrufbar. Die Unterlagen für die nächste Vorlesung stehen jeweils spätestens am Freitagmorgen zur Verfügung.
Literature
Generelle Ökologie: Townsend, Harper, Begon 2009. Ökologie. Springer, ca. Fr. 70.- Aquatische Ökologie: Lampert & Sommer 1999. Limnoökologie. Thieme, 2. Aufl., ca. Fr. 55.-; Bohle 1995. Limnische Systeme. Springer, ca. Fr. 50.- Naturschutzbiologie: Baur B. et al. 2004. Biodiversität in der Schweiz. Haupt, Bern, 237 S. Primack R.B. 2004. A primer of conservation biology. 3rd ed. Sinauer, Mass. USA, 320 pp.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- keine ausser Wörterbuch (gedruckt) für Fremdsprachige
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Biologie III: Ökologie
Vorlesung im HG F 1 mit Videoübertragung ins HG F 3.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Environmental Sciences Bachelor (Students can choose between one Bachelor thesis of 10KP or two Bachelor theses of 5KP each. In principle, all professors and lecturers involved in the teaching of the Environmental Sciences degree programme are entitled to supervise a Bachelor's thesis (BA). BA in the area of social sciences and humanities can only be supervised by lecturers who teach in this area. The same applies to BA in the field of natural sciences and technology. If the thesis is supervised by a person who does not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme or who does not have ETH lecturer status, then the student has to fill in the "Form for supervisors of a Bachelor thesis who do not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme" Link)
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