BIOL309 ECOLOGY OF MAJOR ECOSYSTEMS
| Course Code: | 2380309 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Biology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assist.Prof.Dr DİDEM AMBARLI |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
For each ecosystem type, the objective of the course is to provide:
- Understanding the abiotic conditions shaping each ecosystem
- Identifying the adaptations of plants and animals, and species interactions
- Description of the primary production, food webs and major ecological processes
- Explanation of the ecological phenomena unique to each ecosystem
- Examples of ecosystems found in Turkey
- Understanding the common land use practices and threats to the ecosystems
- Guidelines for ecosystem sustainability and the prospective management
Course Content
Renewable natural resources that we consume in our daily life are produced either on land or in water ecosystems. Intelligent management and use of these resources are possible only through full understanding of the ecology of these ecosystems. Terrestrial (land) and aquatic (freshwater, marine, and estuarine) ecosystems are discussed in some detail. Urban ecology and the impact of environmental pollution on natural sources are also covered.
Course Learning Outcomes
After succesfully competing the course, student will be able to:
- list the major ecosystems of the world and give examples from different biomes
- define abiotic conditions and vegetation structure shaping each ecosystem
- give examples for the adaptations of plants and animals, and species interactions in each ecosystem
- describe basic the primary production path, food webs and major ecological processes in each ecosystem
- explain ecological phenomena unique to each ecosystem
- give examples of ecosystems found in Turkey
- propose solutions towards ecosystem sustainability and the prospective management
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Perform basic laboratory and field techniques/approaches used in various branches of biology. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Understand and apply principles of laboratory and field safety. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Understand the inner workings of the scientific processes, think critically, and frame questions using experimental and theoretical approaches in biology. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Proficiency in communicating issues in both English and Turkish. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Read, and understand scientific communications from primary literature in biology. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Identify and explain issues in biological sciences. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Be ready to take new theoretical and technological challenges by recognizing the value and act upon the need for lifelong learning. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Work as an individual, as well as a team member, and assume leadship when needed. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Follow the rules of scientific ethics within their careers and professions. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution