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Ecology is the study of the factors affecting the distribution and abundance of individuals and species in the natural environment. In this module, we will begin by examining why populations fluctuate in size over time, and the importance of this knowledge in conservation and applied biology. We will then study interactions within single populations before moving onto communities, to understand the importance of competition, predation, parasitism and mutualisms in determining distributions of species in space and time. These will be illustrated by examples from microbes, plants and animals. We will then consider food web dynamics, that may contain all types of interaction to investigate the role of diversity in determining ecological stability. Finally, we will explore issues associated with biodiversity measurement and its conservation by exploring critically assessing the usefulness of macroecological patterns such as the latitudinal gradient in diversity; species-area relationships; and species abundance distributions.Ìý

Students without any biological background will need to do a little outside reading for certain parts of the course. Enthusiasm is the most important criterion. The module does involve some mathematics, and computing, but will assume a high school level of understanding of mathematics as your starting point. Understanding of the models/theory is important to gain understanding of the key processes in ecology, but all end of module questions are essay-based.

Suggested reading material: Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems. Michael Begon, Colin R. Townsend, John L. Harper. - 4th ed.

Indicative lecture topics – based on module content in 2022/23

• Population dynamics (2 lectures)
• Density dependence
• Intraspecific competition
• Interspecific competition (2 lectures)
• Enemy-victim dynamics (2 lectures)
• Spatial pattern: effects on population dynamics/competition (2 lectures)
• The dynamics of mutualisms
• Diversity and stability: Food webs
• Metapopulation dynamics
• Macroecology (4 lectures)

Module Objectives

Upon successful competition of the course students will:

1. Understand the patterns and processes underlying the distribution of biodiversity in space and time.
2. Understand the basis of population growth and dynamics and the factors affecting these processes.
3. Be able to link simple mathematical models to data.
4. Appreciate the importance of spatial and temporal scale in ecology.
5. Understand hypothesis testing in ecology.
6. Appreciate the importance of critically evaluating prominent hypotheses and concepts within ecology.
7. Understand the roles biological interactions have in determining community dynamics and maintaining biodiversity.
8. Consider the wider implications and applications of ecological science for human society.