Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Ecology
Course Code
BUMK_007
Branch of Science
Biological sciences; Ecology; Environmental biotechnology; Medical biotechnology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Medicine
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Vilnis Šķipars
Structure Unit Manager
Juta Kroiča
Structural Unit
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, bmk@rsu.lv, +371 67061584
About Study Course
Objective
To obtain comprehensive knowledge and understanding about interaction between species, organisms and the environment - biotic and abiotic factors. To obtain comprehensive knowledge and understanding about what ecosystems are and how they work.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic knowledge of biology and chemistry (within the scope of the secondary school program).
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.After completing the study course, students will be able to use and understand the terminology used in ecology, understand the levels of ecological organization, understand main biogeochemical cycles and laws of bioaccumulation, get an idea of the relationship between species and individuals, evolution principles and will be able to name major environment protection programs. Students will gain knowledge about the most pressing problems in ecology, also in the context of human health.
Skills
1.As a result of the study course, students will be able to use a light microscope, be able to plan experiments, collect samples from the environment and handle them safely. Within the course, we will discuss skills related to critical information analysis.
Competences
1.Ability to analyze different levels of ecological problems, evaluate possible solutions. Ability to assess the environmental consequences of different activities before performing these activities. Ability to evaluate the ecological situation in the context of human health. Understanding the potential applications of different species in medicine.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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Depending on the specific lesson, the independent assignments will be different. For example, preparation of short (5 - 10 min) presentations or individual search of information in the popular scientific or scientific literature on the proposed topics, which cover nature protection or current ecological issues.
During the study course, an excursion to the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia is planned, which will include a practical task of finding plants with certain properties.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
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-
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The performance in independent assignments will be assessed - compliance with the assigned topic, quality of explanations, ability to analyze various issues related to ecology in the context of the task. At the end of the study course, students must write a test, which will reflect their ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course. The grade is a cumulative mark, of which 30% comes from individual assignments and 70% - from the result of the final test. The final test consists of 10 open questions.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introduction. Key sectors and approaches in ecology research. Evolution.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Biogeochemical cycles. Succession. Habitats.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Limiting factors and their effect on distribution of species.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Hydroecosystems, environment protection.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Population ecology, feeding strategies, breeding strategies.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Biological diversity and genetic diversity.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Ecological concepts and definitions; animal footprints and faeces, their use in ecology studies.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Food chains and food webs. Impact of changes in them.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Use of bio indicator species for characterisation of the environment.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Practical class in botanical garden. Floristic regions. Plant adaptation, their role in ecosystems.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Preparation of ecological soap; reducing the human impact on the environment; critical perception of information on harmfulness/safety of substances.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Freshwater ecosystems (examination of flora and fauna, phytoplankton and zooplankton samples).
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Evolution (video demonstration and discussion of various aspects of evolution, while showing the importance of biological and genetic diversity).
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Pollution, circulation of pollution in the environment, student group work and presentations.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Visit to the zoo. Adaptation of animals to certain ecological niches.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Test.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
V. Melecis. 2011. Ekoloģija. LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, Rīga. (akceptējams izdevums)
2.
M. Begon, C.R. Townsend. 2021. Ecology: from Individuals to Ecosystems. Wiley; 5th edition
3.
Ārvalstu studentiem/For International students:
4.
M. Begon, C.R. Townsend. 2021. Ecology: from Individuals to Ecosystems. Wiley; 5th edition
Additional Reading
1.
M. Begon, R.W. Howarth, C.R. Townsend, 2014, Essentials of Ecology. Wiley; 4th edition
2.
M. Molles, B. Borrell. 2010. Environment: Science, Issues, Solutions. W. H. Freeman; Illustrated edition
3.
O. Nikodemus, G. Brūmelis (red.), 2015, Dabas aizsardzība. LU akadēmiskais apgāds, Rīga. 2. izdevums.
4.
Ārvalstu studentiem/For International students:
5.
M. Molles, B. Borrell. 2010. Environment: Science, Issues, Solutions. W. H. Freeman; Illustrated edition
6.
M. Begon, R.W. Howarth, C.R. Townsend, 2014, Essentials of Ecology. Wiley; 4th edition
Other Information Sources
1.
earth.nullschool.net (On-line map of atmospheric and hydrospheric conditions)
4.
Plants for a future database
5.
Global invasive species database.
6.
Ārvalstu studentiem/For International students:
7.
Plants for a future database
9.
earth.nullschool.net (On-line map of atmospheric and hydrospheric conditions)