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Biology III: Essentials of Ecology
Biologie III: Ökologie
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:19
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
- Biodiversity: variation, threats and conservation - Influence of environmental factors on organisms; adaptation to environmental conditions - Population dynamics: causes, description, prediction and regulation - Interactions between species (competition, coexistence, predation, parasitism, food webs) - Ecological communities: structure, stability, succession - Ecosystems: compartments, material and energy flows
Resources
Lecture Notes
Documents, lecture slides, exercises and relevant literature are available in Moodle. The documents for the next lecture will be available on Friday morning at the latest.
Literature
Required reading: Begon, M.E., Howarth, R.W., Townsend, C.R. (2017): Ökologie. 3. Aufl. Springer Verlag, Berlin.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- Keine ausser Wörterbuch (gedruckt) für FremdsprachigeTaschenrechner ohne Internetzugang (kein Handy usw.) (Pocket calculator without internet connection (no mobile phone, etc.))
- Digital
- The examination takes place on your own device. Installation of SEB required.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Biologie III: Ökologie | No time listed | 2 h weekly |