After this course you can describe and apply

1. Concepts, models and methodologies used in the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems (P1, P2)
2. Concepts and methodologies used in the ecology of mutualism and parasitism, partly met respect to humans (P1, P2)
3. How global ecological and environmental problems affect the functioning of ecosystems (P1, P2)

 
Using the knowledge acquired you are able to
 

1. Formulate hypotheses tackling current environmental, ecological and health issues (P2, P6, A1)
2. Include recent scientific literature and evaluate it critically (P6, A1)
3. Design a scientific study and deliver it orally and in a written report (A2, A4)
4. Carry out these tasks and discuss them in a group (A3, A4)

This first-year’s course in Ecology gives an overview of the relationships between populations, communities and ecosystems and their environment, and its interest for nature conservation and human health. We include the ecology of mutualism and parasitism, as well as some basic evolutionary principles. We illustrate the topics with appealing examples from current conservation and environmental practice. We show how insight in ecological principles are essential for finding solutions with respect to the protection of biodiversity, mitigating global climate change, and improving health of human populations.
 
You learn the theory from textbook, with a series of lectures providing the context, some additional material and illustrative examples. Classroom exercises are devoted to a better understanding of classical mathematical models in ecology. After preparing the material independently at home, you solve the exercises in small groups in the class room, with assistance from the teachers.
 
The “Radboud Research Project” is devoted to the significance of scientific research for the many current societal issues. Here you work in small groups on an applied problem of your interest, linked to ecology theory. Problem subjects vary from a variety of environmental and conservation issues, to more medical subjects. In your group, you analyse the problem and formulate a new plan for research providing new insight. You derive the necessary information from the literature and scientific internet sites. Every group reports on their subject by means of a short written essay and presents the research plans to other students who have worked on similar subjects, followed by a critical discussions.