MAOK4001 Concepts in ecology

    • Number of credits
      5
    • Teaching semester
      2025 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Evenstad
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      None.

Course content

The course introduces the students to the complexity of central topics in ecological theory, with focus on evolution, behavioural ecology, population biology and community ecology. This course will go beyond the introductory level ecology and provide insights into more complex issues. Training in reading research publications and reports, and critically reviewing the aim, methods, and conclusions. The students will collect their own data in the field and be introduced to study design and learn how to discuss results from ecological studies.

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the course, the student will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competence. 

Knowledge

The student

  • Has a broad understanding of the complexity of central concepts in ecological theory, with emphasis on evolution, behavioural ecology, population biology, and community ecology.
Skills

The student

  • Can read, understand, and discuss scientific literature within the field of ecology.
  • Can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.
General competence

The student

  • Can evaluate ecological research in light of ecological theory.
  • Can communicate and discuss the application of ecological theory in practical conservation and management.
Teaching and working methods

Lectures, seminars, field work, and writing assignments. Seminars will include presentations and discussions by student groups.

Required coursework

One oral presentation.

Form of assessment
  • One written group report, with grade adjusted with oral defence (40%)
  • Individual written exam (60%)

Performance is assessed using a grading scale from A-F, where E is the lowest passing grade. All examinations must be passed in order for the course to be assessed as passed.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Written assignment
ECTS - A-F
Individual
40
Written examination with invigilation
ECTS - A-F
Individual
60
Faculty
Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology
Department
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management