BIO2407: Ecology

Course Description

This course introduces the study of natural ecosystems and major global environmental challenges. It examines the structure and function of different ecosystems, focusing on how organisms adapt and interact within their environments. Key topics include biodiversity, population dynamics, the hydrologic cycle, land use, and pollution, with emphasis on their influence on ecological balance and sustainability. The course also highlights the relevance of ecological knowledge to pressing environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation, preparing future educators to integrate ecological awareness into science teaching.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the characteristics of major types of ecosystems.
2. Explain the interactions among organisms within ecosystems and their roles in maintaining ecological balance.
3. Analyze adaptive strategies of organisms in response to environmental change.
4. Evaluate the relationship between ecology and contemporary environmental issues, including global warming, pollution, and deforestation.
5. Apply ecological concepts in educational contexts, fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices among learners.

Required Materials

1. Field notebooks and sampling equipment
2. Graph paper, ecological models, charts.
3. Access to computer for data analysis and simulations.

Book and References

1. Odum, E. P. Fundamentals of Ecology (5th Ed., Brooks Cole).
2. Molles, M. C. Ecology: Concepts and Applications (7th Ed., McGraw-Hill).
3. Smith, R. L. & Smith, T. M. Elements of Ecology (9th Ed., Pearson).
4. Krebs, C. J. Ecology: The Experimental Analysis of Distribution and Abundance (6th Ed., Benjamin Cummings).