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701-0328-00L 4 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL

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Advanced Ecological Processes

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Janneke Hille Ris Lambers

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:48

Abstract

This course presents a broad overview of the key processes structuring ecological populations and communities, with a particular focus on understanding and managing global change impacts.

Objective

COURSE GOALS In this course, students will develop an integrated knowledge of how ecological theory can help us understand and manage ecological responses to global change. Specifically, the course goals are to: - Introduce students to the major ecological processes that together shape the composition and abundance of species within ecological communities. - Provide insight to students on the ecological impacts of anthropogenic change, and how an understanding of ecological processes can help us predict these ecological impacts and design conservation / restoration actions to mitigate their negative impacts. - Teach students to critically summarize and analyze primary ecological literature, understanding how ecological studies contribute to our knowledge, how to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and practice designing follow up studies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES The learning objectives follow from the course goals. After attending this course, students should be able to: - Describe key processes affecting the size of populations and abundance of species within ecological communities. - Critically evaluate evidence and conclusions presented in primary ecological literature based on your understanding of these ecological processes. - Apply knowledge of ecological processes to make predictions about the major responses of ecological communities to anthropogenic perturbations.

Content

We will explore how ecological theories can provide insight into the effects of anthropogenic change as well as guide management to undo undesired impacts. Collectively, this requires us to focus on classic problems in ecology (for examples, competitive coexistence, top-down impacts of predators, diversity-ecosystem function relationships, the role of dispersal in spread). The course is taught in a flipped format. Generally (with the exception of a few weeks), there will be online materials for students to watch or read during the first hour of class (lecture videos, readings), and the class will meet in person for the second half of class. The in person portions of the class will have students participate in activities to learn the content, including paper discussions, groupwork, and presentations. Students are also required to submit a written assignment.

Resources

Lecture Notes

All course materials (videos, lecture notes, primary literature) will be provided on the course moodle.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: end-of-semester examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: only calculator

The final grade comes from:- A written final examination (90 minutes) that makes up 80% of the grade.- A graded compulsory continuous performance assessment that makes up 20% of the grade, and must be passed on its own. This continuous performance assessment consists of an written assignment based on an assigned primary literature article or concept.

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Advanced Ecological Processes	Mon 12:15-14:00 (CHN F 42)	2 h weekly