General Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and practical classes.

The laboratorial work will be developped in group or singly. Use of computational models.

Learning Outcomes

This discipline has as main goal the acquisition of knowledge in the field of Ecolgy - ecosystems functioning. Within the scope of his profession the environmental engenier will have to make interventionsin the ecosystems.He needs to know the fundamental principies of nutrients and energy fixation, transfer of energy and ecosystems sustentability, as management decisions should have scientific bases.  Other concepts related with biodiversity and management, conservation, population growth and others crucial for the environmental management are also provided.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Ecology: concepts and definitions

2. The ecology of individuals. Relationships between organisms and the environment. Thermic regulations in ectotherms and endotherms. Strategies for the acquisition and conservation of water in terrestrial and aquatic organisms.

3. Population ecology. Populations, distribution, abundance and population growth. Aggregation and dispersion.. Animal migration. Intraspecific and interspecific competition. Predation: the role of predators in the distribution, abundance and structure of populations of preys and hosts; predators-prey cycles, mathematical models. Parasitism and diseases. Mutualism. Biological control of plagues.

4. Community ecology.  Competition and predation effects in the structure of communities. Biodiversity and abundance. Food chains and stability.

5. Applied ecology. Islands and geographic ecology: its application in the management of protected spaces. Conservation. Sustainability. Evaluation of environmental quality.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Molles, M. 2009. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. 3rd ed. New York. MacGraw-Hill. 572 pp.;

Rickefs, R.E. 2000. The Economy of Nature. 5th ed. New York: Freeman. 550 pp.;

Townsend C.R., J.L. Harper & M. Begon. 2008. Essentials of Ecology. Oxford. 3rd ed. Blackwell. 532pp.