ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 99 Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 24 Interactive Classroom: 24 Total: 150
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Functional Biology
Areas: Ecology
Center Faculty of Biology
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: With teaching
Enrolment: Enrollable
•Acquire a set of basic ecological knowledge, proposing the ecological principles related to communities and ecosystems (organisms and populations have been treated in Ecology I), which are the basis for understanding the processes that occur in the biosphere.
• Learn to handle ecological terminology with precision, mastering the basic vocabulary of the discipline.
• Enhance the capacity for interrelation, practically essential to internalize the concepts of Ecology, highlighting the importance of interconnections between the components of ecosystems.
• Understand that ecosystems are complex systems that function as integrated units, with multiple causes that generate their structure and operation.
• Perceive the human impact on the biosphere and promote awareness regarding current ecological and environmental problems.
The contents of the subject will be kept in the 3 possible scenarios. In scenario 1, the expository activities, seminars, tutorials and computer practices will be carried out in person in the classroom (synchronous); while the laboratory practices will also be face-to-face but with a duration of each practice reduced to 50%. In scenario 2, the exhibition activities, seminars, tutorials and computer practices will be carried out in virtual presence (remotely); while the laboratory practices will continue to be face-to-face but with a duration of each practice reduced to 50%. Finally, in scenario 3, the expository activities, seminars, tutorials and computer practices will be carried out in virtual presence (remotely); while the laboratory practices will also be virtual but with a duration of each practice reduced to 50%.
All classes will be face-to-face.
THEORY (26 h + 7 h)
The approximate duration of each topic is indicated in parentheses.
Block I. COMMUNITIES
1. Biological community: concept and characterization. (4 h)
2. Spatial patterns of biological diversity (4 h)
3. Temporal dynamics of the communities. (4 h)
4. Island communities. (3 h)
5. Disturbance (2 h)
Block II. ECOSYSTEM OPERATION
6. The ecosystem. Primary production. (4 h)
7. Secondary production. (2 h)
8. Energy flow and trophic structure. (2 h)
9. Circulation of nutrients. (4 h)
10. Decomposition (3h)
FIELD AND LABORATORY PRACTICES (13 h)
The internship calendar will be adjusted as much as possible to the development of the theoretical program.
Laboratory:
1. 1. Study of the competition for allelopathy at the community level in forest communities (2h in two sessions).
2. Study of macroinvertebrate communities in terrestrial ecosystems and epicontinental waters. (1.5 h in one session).
2. Determination of biomass and NPP in terrestrial communities (1.5 h in one session).
Countryside:
3. Study of macroinvertebrate communities in terrestrial ecosystems and epicontinental waters (depending on economic availability).
Countryside:
1. Terrestrial ecosystems: sampling of the main ecological variables of study of terrestrial vegetation. (4h in a session)
2. Aquatic ecosystems: sampling in epicontinental aquatic ecosystems and riparian terrestrial ecosystems (depending on economic availability). (4h in one session)
SEMINARS (8 h)
The seminars will be face-to-face and will include exercises, problems and obtaining parameters from data collected in field and laboratory practices or from bibliographic data. They may also include talks and colloquia with experts from other universities and research centers, debates on current issues and other activities related to the subject.
1. Seminar 1, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of Block I Communities.
2. Seminar 2, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of Block I Communities.
3. Seminar 3, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of Block I Communities.
4. Seminar 4, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of Block I Communities.
5. Seminar 5, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of block II Ecosystems.
6. Seminar 6, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of block II Ecosystems.
7. Seminar 7, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of block II Ecosystems.
8. Seminar 8, dedicated to reinforcing knowledge of block II Ecosystems.
TUTORING (2 h)
They will be dedicated to the review of key aspects and the exercises of the seminars and those in charge to carry out as personal work.
BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
Begon, M.; Harper, J.L. & Townsend, C.R. 1999. Ecología: individuos, poblaciones y comunidades. 3ª ed. Barcelona: Omega.
Cain, M.L.; Bowman, W.D & Hacker, S.D. 2008. Ecology. Sunderland, Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Krebs, C.J. 2009. Ecology: the experimental analysis of distribution and abundance. 6th ed. San Francisco, California: Benjamin Cummings.
Molles, M.C. 2006. Ecología: conceptos y aplicaciones. 3ª ed. Madrid: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana.
Smith, R.L. & Smith, T.M. 2007. Ecología. 6ª ed. Madrid: Pearson Educación.
Stiling, P. 2012. Ecology. Global Insights & Investigations. Nueva York: McGraw-Hill.
COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krebs, C.J. 1999. Ecological Methodology. 2nd ed. Menlo Park: Addison-Wesley.
Ricklefs, R.E. 1998. Invitación a la ecología. La economía de la naturaleza : libro de texto sobre economía básica. 4ª ed. Bogotá: Panamericana.
Townsend, C.R.; Begon, M. & Harper, J.L. 2008. Essentials of ecology. 3rd ed. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell.
In this subject, the student will acquire or practice a series of basic / general and transversal competences, which are inapplicable in any university degree, and specific, specific to Ecology and / or the Degree in Biology in general.
Within the competences in this matter the following will be worked on in a more specific way:
Transversal
• CT1. Capacity for analysis and synthesis
• CT2. Ability for reasoning and argumentation
• CT7. Commitment to the veracity of the information offered to others
• CT8. Skill in the management of ICTs
• CT9. Use of bibliographic information and the Internet
• CT10. Use of information in a foreign language
• CT11. Ability to solve problems through the integrated application of your knowledge
Specific
• CE1. Know the scientific bases of ecological theory and its application towards the sustainability of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.
• CE2. Acquire knowledge about communities and ecosystems, including the processes, cycles and flows that interconnect their different components.
• CE3. Know the methods and basic techniques of laboratory and field of ecology.
• CE4. Have a global knowledge of environmental and ecological problems.
• CE5. Identify and formulate ecological problems.
• CE6. Apply ecological models.
• CE7. Internalize a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The basic and general competences are those that appear in the report of the Degree.
All the teachings will be face-to-face.
The EXHIBITIONS classes will consist of lectures in which the basic knowledge of ecological science (concepts, processes, hypotheses, models) will be introduced. Frequently, reference will be made to concepts, experiments or hypotheses already seen in previous topics. This is essential given the integrative nature of the matter. Nor will the reference to issues that will be discussed later be uncommon, since Ecology is not a subject that admits a linear development, but a branched one. This exercise of relating diverse features and processes involves a certain effort, but finally it provides a capacity for global analysis that can be very useful, not only in the study of this matter, but also as a general working tool. Continued attendance to class is recommended but non-attendance will not be penalized.
Seminars and practical classes are also an essential part of the course.
The interactive classes of SEMINARS will be dedicated to the resolution, by the student, of questions and problems related to the topics covered, talks with specialists, debates, etc. At the end of each one of them there will be a brief presentation, by the teacher, regarding the resolution of these questions and problems. Continued attendance to class is recommended but non-attendance will not be penalized.
The LABORATORY or FIELD interactive classes will address the management of ecological analysis methods that allow familiarization, in the laboratory and in the field, with the usual way of working in Ecology. The scripts provided at the beginning of the practices include the necessary information to be able to follow in an orderly and clear manner the development of the proposed task. Facing the resolution of a specific problem, and the fact that the practice groups are smaller, usually favors a greater interaction between students and the teacher, and facilitates the intervention and raising of doubts. Each practice must be accompanied by the delivery of a task that will constitute part of the continuous evaluation.
TUTORIALS: They will basically be dedicated to clarifying doubts about the theory and the seminars, as well as any other consultation related to the teaching of the subject.
The attendance is compulsory only for the laboratory and field classes, with a minimum of 70% attendance being required
The evaluation will be identical for both opportunities. The final test is complementary to the continuous assessment. In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations and evaluation of the academic performance of students and the review of qualifications will apply.
These instruments will be used to evaluate skills according to the following scheme:
- In the exam the competences are evaluated: CX1, CX2, CX3, CX4, CX5, CT1, CT2, CT7, CT8, CT9, CT10; CT11, CE1, CE2, CE3, CE4, CE5, CE6 and CE7.
- In practical cases: CX1, CX2, CX3, CX4, CX5, CT1, CT2, CT9, CT10; CT11, CE1, CE2, CE3 and CE6.
As a summary, as a continuous assessment, the two controls on content covered in the seminars and practices will mean the delivery of the seminars will account for 30% of the final grade, the delivery of the practice notebook 10%. The compulsory activities are field and laboratory practices (with 70% attendance required). The final test that is complementary to the continuous evaluation will suppose 60% of the final qualification. Repeating students have the same evaluation system as first-time students, for repeating students only, during the same period that the regulations of this university provide for attendance to practices, the qualification of the memory of the results will be kept. of practices.
In addition to face-to-face teaching of various types, students must require hours of study and personal work. Altogether, the dedicated hours are:
33 exhibition hours (classes and seminars)
21 interactive hours (seminars, field practices and laboratory)
2 hours of tutorials
92 hours of personal work
2 hours of exam
150 hours of total dedication
Recommendations for the study of the subject
-Regularly attend theoretical classes, seminars and practices
-Study the subject daily
-Consult the bibliography
-Consult questions in class or in tutorial hours.
Regularly attend theoretical classes, seminars and practices.
- Study the subject daily.
- Consult the bibliography.
- Consult doubts, in class or during tutoring hours.
Contingency plan
In scenarios 2 and 3, the contents of the teaching program will be adapted, respecting the objectives and competencies that must be achieved while maintaining the level of demand. All content will be available in the virtual classroom. Communication with students will be done through the virtual classroom and Teams.
Scenario 2
-The expository teaching will be carried out virtually through synchronous sessions in Teams. If this is not possible, it will be replaced by asynchronous sessions with audio-presentations.
-In interactive teaching, the groups will be divided into two with half the contact hours. The interactive classes will be completed with videos and activities done remotely.
-The tutorials will be done electronically.
Scenario 3 (Closure of facilities)
-The teaching, both expository and interactive, will develop completely in a virtual way, preferably with synchronous mechanisms.
-Internships with completely virtual modality, at the same scheduled times.
-The tutorials will be exclusively online.
-The final tests, if applicable, will be exclusively telematic.
Learning assessment system
The evaluation will be identical for the 3 scenarios contemplated and for the two opportunities except for scenario 3, in which the final test will be telematic. The final test is complementary to the continuous assessment.
o In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the evaluation of the academic performance of students and the review of qualifications will be applied.
Otilia Reyes Ferreira
Coordinador/a- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- Phone
- 881813318
- otilia.reyes [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Carola Gomez Rodriguez
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- carola.gomez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Sheila Fernández Riveiro
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- sheila.fernandez.riveiro [at] rai.usc.es
- Category
- Xunta Pre-doctoral Contract
Pablo Giráldez Suárez
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- pablo.giraldez.suarez [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
Antón Vázquez Arias
- Department
- Functional Biology
- Area
- Ecology
- antonvazquez.arias [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
| Wednesday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish, Galician | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish, Galician | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| Thursday | |||
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| Friday | |||
| 09:00-10:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 05.24.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 07.08.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 07.08.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 01. Charles Darwin |
| 07.08.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |
| 07.08.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 02. Gregor Mendel |