Academic Year/course:
2021/22
571 - Degree in Environmental Sciences
25211 - Ecology I
Syllabus Information
Academic Year:
2021/22
Subject:
25211 - Ecology I
Faculty / School:
201 - Escuela Politécnica Superior
Degree:
571 - Degree in Environmental Sciences
ECTS:
6.0
Year:
2
Semester:
First Four-month period
Subject Type:
Compulsory
Module:
---
1.1. Aims of the course
The subject and its expected results respond to the following approaches and objectives:
With this subject it is intended that students know the abiotic and biotic factors and the interactions that explain the abundance and distribution of organisms and the functioning of the following levels of organization of life: populations, communities, ecosystems, landscape-territory and biosphere .
This will allow them to: a) address the resolution of environmental problems taking as a reference the functioning of natural systems; b) become aware of Global Change and the bases that Ecology provides to mitigate it; c) face scientific problems in the field of ecology through the rigorous application of the scientific method.
These approaches and objectives are aligned with some of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, of the 2030 Agenda (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/) and certain specific goals, contributing to a certain extent to their achievement:
• Goal 4: Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
o Target 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all students acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, equality of gender, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, world citizenship and the appreciation of cultural diversity and the contribution of culture to sustainable development.
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
o Goal 14.1; 14.2 and 14.3. Related to the prevention, management and minimization of ocean degradation and pollution.
• Goal 15: Manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt the loss of biodiversity
o Target 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and the services they provide, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and arid areas, in consistent with obligations under international agreements.
1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree
It has been said that ecology is to the environment as physics is to engineering. This subject occupies a central place in environmental sciences and is linked to numerous subjects, some that provide basic knowledge and others that provide conceptual support. Specifically, it plays a fundamental role in module 1 of the “Interpretation of the Natural Environment as a System” curriculum.
On the other hand, it is advisable not to confuse ecology with environment. Ecology is a scientific discipline that aims to know the abundance and distribution of organisms and their interactions with each other and with the environment. Environment is a scientific-technical discipline that aims to solve environmental problems in the natural environment most directly transformed by human beings.
1.3. Recommendations to take this course
This subject is offered in the English Friendly form.
For the best follow-up of the subject, it is advisable to have passed the subjects of Botany and Zoology, Biology, Fundamentals of Geology and Edaphology, as well as those related to basic sciences. On the other hand, it is convenient:
• Possess basic knowledge of English to understand scientific-technical texts.
• Possess knowledge of computer science at the user level and specifically of the Moodle teaching platform.
• Have the capacity and equipment for field work.
2.1. Competences
By passing the subject, the student will be more competent to ...
Understand knowledge in the area of environmental sciences that starts from the base of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the forefront of your field of study.
Apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and possess the competencies that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.
Gather and interpret relevant data (usually within the environmental sciences) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature.
Transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.
Undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.
Interpret the environment as a complex system: identification of the factors, processes and interactions that make up any type of environment. This entails fundamental knowledge of all systems (hydrology, edaphology, meteorology and climatology, zoology, botany, geology, Society and territory, etc.), understanding their constitution and fundamental processes (physics, chemistry and biology) and their interactions (ecology) .
Analyze in a multidisciplinary way the indicators and evidence of an environmental problem or situation, with the capacity for qualitative and quantitative interpretation of data from various specialties, ability to relate the analysis with theoretical models and awareness of the temporal and spatial dimensions of environmental processes involved.
Value the resources and constituents of the environment in economic, social, legal and ecological terms. This includes economic and legal knowledge.
Prepare a diagnosis of the environmental situation in a given natural, rural or urban context, based on the interpretation of all the environmental systems, the analysis of all the relevant indicators of the situation, the valuation of its resources and constituents and the Consideration of foreseeable impacts or changes.
Prospectively establish a scenario of future evolution of the current situation diagnosed and propose the pertinent corrective measures.
Prepare and present the reports corresponding to the diagnosis made.
Understand and master the fundamental knowledge of the study area and apply it to the specific tasks of an environmental professional
Solve the problems, generic or characteristic of the area through the interpretation and analysis of the relevant data and evidence, the issuance of evaluations, judgments, reflections and pertinent diagnoses, with the appropriate consideration of the scientific, ethical or social aspects
Apply theoretical knowledge to the analysis of situations.
2.2. Learning goals
The student, to pass this subject, must demonstrate the following results ...
Evaluate and interpret the role of abiotic factors in the structure and functioning of ecological systems at different levels of organization.
Differentiate and apply the different growth models of biological populations.
Recognize in the field the cycle of organic matter in terrestrial ecosystems.
Identify the main environmental services of ecosystems (SDG 14 and 15).
Incorporate and manage the contingent view of nature in your analysis of ecological processes.
Identify and critically assess the main syndromes of Global Change. (SDG 14 and 15).
Analyze ecological information critically.
Identify and develop maps of environmental units.
Perform information searches, selection of documentation in databases and academic search engines related to Ecology.
Communicate ideas and concepts of Ecology correctly orally and in writing (SDG 4).
Acquire the capacity for autonomous learning and teamwork, in a responsible and committed way, distributing tasks and sharing responsibilities.
2.3. Importance of learning goals
The learning results obtained will allow addressing the resolution of environmental problems taking as a reference
the functioning of natural systems and knowing the framework of Global Change. This will be especially useful in the
application of environmental methodologies such as impact assessments, environmental planning and restoration
projects.
3. Assessment (1st and 2nd call)
3.1. Assessment tasks (description of tasks, marking system and assessment criteria)
3.1. Type of tests and their value on the final grade and evaluation criteria for each test
The student must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes through the following assessment activities
This subject offers the possibility of continuous assessment, for which it is recommended to attend at least 80% of face-to-face activities. In this case, it will be essential to carry out the following evaluation activities:
• Two face-to-face written tests on the theory part of the subject program that will be averaged (50% of the mark), for which a minimum mark of 4.5 out of ten must be obtained in each of them. Each test may have short-answer and development questions. Each of the tests will evaluate approximately half of the program of the subject.
• Preparation of a report of all the practices (25%) and oral exam of all the practices (25% of the grade). The report will include the following sections: introduction and objectives; methodology; results; Discussion and Conclusions.
To pass the course through continuous assessment, it will be necessary to have passed, at least, the theory part and the practical part. The theory mark (of the two written tests) will not be saved for the final exam. The practice mark will be saved for the final exam.
Complementary activities may be carried out to improve the overall rating. In any case, all students have the right to take the global written and face-to-face test at the end of the course according to the EPS exam calendar for those who do not pass the subject by this method, those who have not attended the activities or those who want to raise the grade.
The global evaluation test will consist of the following activities:
• Preparation of a general report of all the practices (25%) that will include the following sections: introduction and objectives; methodology; results; Discussion and Conclusions.
• Written and face-to-face test at the end of the course according to the EPS exam calendar (75% of the grade). Each test may have short-answer and development questions.
The evaluation criteria for both types of evaluation are the following:
• Correct and fluent expression of ecological concepts
• The ability to relate the concepts acquired in practice and theory.
• Interpretation in the field of ecological processes.
• The ability to integrate and synthesize ecological information.
SDG 4 will be comprehensively assessed in all tests of the subject. SDGs 14 and 15 will be assessed in practice and theory reports and exams. In all tests, questions that make direct reference to the 3 SDGs related to the subject matter will be included.
4. Methodology, learning tasks, syllabus and resources
4.1. Methodological overview
The learning process that has been designed for this subject is based on the following:
Theoretical sessions: The student will have bibliographic material and the presentations of each topic before their treatment in class. In the theoretical sessions, the students designated by the teacher will present their ideas on the subject under discussion based on their own knowledge and the information provided by the teacher, which will have been previously studied.
The teacher will make a masterly presentation of each topic with questions to the students. On the other hand there will be conference-type sessions given by external experts.
The evaluation of the theoretical contents will be completed with two written tests (continuous evaluation).
The practical activities, on the one hand, will consist of full-day field trips for the recognition of ecosystems. And on the other, they will focus on carrying out different ecological works in a field area located near Huesca. These works directed by the teacher will have periodic group tutoring sessions. Both practical activities will be complemented with sessions in the computer room for the management of ecological models and laboratory sessions for the performance of various analyzes and experiments.
4.2. Learning tasks
The program offered to the student to help him achieve the expected results comprises the following activities ...
Theoretical sessions in the classroom:
A presentation is provided for each topic, as well as additional bibliographic material, available on the Moodle platform, which must be previously studied, at least by students with continuous evaluation.
The sessions will include interventions by the students and a keynote presentation by the teacher. Others correspond to the participation of invited experts and the presentation of seminars prepared by the students.
In the block devoted to abiotic factors, a session will be devoted to analyzing their limiting effect on terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems (SDG 14 and 15).
Field trips:
These are one-day outings (8-9 hours) in which a working material with scripts is provided to be completed through direct observations in the field by the students.
Field tutorials are also carried out, which consist of individualized outings with the practical work groups for the supervision and discussion of the field work carried out. For their part, the students must also carry out non-face-to-face fieldwork, on their own, in the reference field area.
During the outings, the theoretical concepts will be reviewed and the functioning of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will be observed, as well as the existing or potential disturbances in each of them (SDG 15)
Laboratory and computer practices:
A practice script is provided with the face-to-face and non-face-to-face activities to be carried out.
Tutorials:
For the follow-up of the theory and practical activities, personalized and / or group tutoring sessions are enabled.
Teaching jobs:
Different topics of ecology and environment are proposed that the students develop under the tutoring of the teacher, presenting a final report.
4.3. Syllabus
This course will address the following topics:
- Unit 1. Introduction to Ecology
- 1 The concept of Ecology. Study object. History
- 2 Non-equilibrium perspective. Social context
- 3 The scientific method. System theory. Ecosystem concept. Gaia
- 4 Ecology and Environment
- Unit 2. Physical Environment and Organisms
- 1 Resource and conditions. Limiting factors
- 2 Astronomic and geologic context
- 3 Atmosphere – Oceanic circulation system
- 4 Climates and microclimates
- 5 Organisms and radiation
- 6 Organisms and Temperature
- 7 Organism and water availability. Ecohidrology
- 8 Abiotic factors in water and terrestrial environments
- 9 Terrestrial environments: geomorphology and soil
- 10 A synthesis on the importance of abiotic factors. Ecology niche concept
- 11 Time evolution response
- 12 History biogeography
- Unit 3. Populations
- 1 Population and metapopulation. Conceptual basis
- 2 Primary and secondary parameters. Tabulation
- 3 Life cycles
- 4 Intraspecific competition
- 5 Population dynamics
- 6 Growth regulation
4.4. Course planning and calendar
Calendar of face-to-face sessions and presentation of work
It is estimated that the average student of this subject, of 6 ECTS, has to dedicate 150 hours.
The calendar of the classes will be adjusted to the teaching calendar of the University of Zaragoza. The schedule of the subject and classroom can be consulted on the website of the Higher Polytechnic School of Huesca, as well as the schedule of tutorials and the exam calendar.
All the information of the subject will be presented on the first day of class of each course.
Attendance and participation in face-to-face theoretical classes constitute the common thread of the subject. On the other hand, field trips form the backbone of practical activity, which is developed from them. Regular consultation of the Moodle platform is also essential for monitoring the subject. The calendar in which the activities are registered is published in this guide in the schedule in the last section.
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| Type of activity / Week |
1 |
2 |
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11 |
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Total |
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| 15-17 sep |
20-24 sep |
27 sep-1 oct (1) |
4-8 oct |
11-15 oct |
18-22 oct (2) |
25-29 oct |
2-5 nov |
8-12 nov |
15-19 nov (3) |
22-26 nov |
29 nov-3 dic |
9-10 dic |
13-17 dic |
20-22 dic |
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10-11 ene (4)(5) |
17-21 ene |
24-28 ene |
31 ene - 4 feb |
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Non-school Oct 11 (Mon) Holiday Oct 12 (Tuesday) |
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Holidays 6 (Mon) to 8 (Wed) |
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Christmas holidays from dic 23th |
Christmas holidays |
Christmas holidays (until jan 9) |
End of class Week 1: 11 jan (tues). Exam begining jan 12 (wedn) |
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Fin exam 5 feb (sab) |
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| Face-to-face activity |
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| Theory |
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| Problems |
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| Lab practices |
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| Group working |
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| Salidas de prácticas |
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| Tutorías ECTS |
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| Evaluación |
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| No Face-to-face activity |
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| Individual work |
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| TOTAL |
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lab prac |
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(1) On Friday, October 1, the Monday schedule will be followed |
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holidays |
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(2) On Thursday, November 18, the Monday schedule will be followed |
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exams period |
(3) On Thursday, November 18, the Monday schedule will be followed |
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(4) On Monday, January 10, the schedule of Friday will be followed |
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(5) On Tuesday, January 11, the schedule of Friday will be followed |
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class period |
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From September 15, 2021 to January 11, 2022 |
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Evaluation period |
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From January 12 to February 5, 2022 |
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From September 1 to 13, 2022 |
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4.5. Bibliography and recommended resources
The references of each course will be updated and can be consulted from the library’s web.
| BB |
Begon, Michael. Ecología : individuos, poblaciones y comunidades / Michel Begon, John L. Harper, Colin R. Townsend ; traducido por Miquel Riba Rovira, Raymond Salvador Civil . - 3ª ed. Barcelona : Omega, D.L.1999 |
| BB |
Smith, Thomas Michael. Ecología / Thomas M. Smith, Robert Leo Smith . 6a. ed. Madrid [etc.] : Pearson Addison-Wesley, D.L. 2007 |
| BC |
Díaz Pineda, Francisco. Ecología I : ambiente físico y organismos vivos / Francisco Díaz Pineda . - 2ª reimp. Madrid : Síntesis, 1989 (reimp. 1996) |
| BC |
Margalef, Ramón. Planeta azul, planeta verde / Ramón Margalef . - [1a. ed.] Barcelona : Prensa Científica, 1992 |
| BC |
Rodríguez, Jaime. Ecología / Jaime Rodríguez Madrid : Pirámide, D.L.1999 |
| BC |
Terradas, Jaume. Ecología de la vegetación : de la ecofisiología de las plantas a la dinámica de comunidades y paisajes / Jaume Terradas. Barcelona : Omega, D.L. 2001 |
The updated recommended bibliography can be consulted in: http://psfunizar10.unizar.es/br13/egAsignaturas.php?id=10973