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BIO304Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

General Ecology

This course introduces fundamental concepts in ecology, life support, and ecosystem dynamics. It explores diverse habitats, ecosystems, and biomes, emphasizing terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students will examine natural disasters, community interactions, and energy and nutrient cycles. The course also covers population dynamics and the relationship between humans and the environment, including pollution and health impacts, aiming to foster an understanding of ecological principles and environmental stewardship.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
EcologyEcosystemPopulation DynamicsPollutionBiomes

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Ecosystems and Ecology

2

Population Dynamics

3

Biological Communities

4

Man and the Environment

5

Pollution

6

Biomes

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ecologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConservationAgricultureWaste ManagementEnvironmental ConsultingGovernment Regulation

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

4h

Unit 1: Ecosystems Ecology

4 study hours
  • •Define ecology and ecosystems.
  • •Describe the characteristics of an ecosystem.
  • •Classify different types of ecosystems.
Week
2

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

5h

Unit 2: Functioning Ecosystem

5 study hours
  • •Explain how ecosystems function.
  • •Describe food chains and food webs.
  • •Discuss energy flow in ecosystems.
Week
3

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

5h

Unit 3: Productivity of Ecosystems

5 study hours
  • •Understand primary and secondary productivity.
  • •Analyze factors affecting productivity.
  • •Examine energy flow in ecosystems.
Week
4

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

5h

Unit 4: The Cycling of Nutrients in Ecosystems

5 study hours
  • •Describe the carbon cycle.
  • •Explain the nitrogen cycle.
  • •Discuss the water cycle.
Week
5

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

4h

Unit 5: Interactions Within Ecosystems

4 study hours
  • •Describe predation and its effects.
  • •Explain competition and its outcomes.
  • •Discuss symbiotic relationships.
Week
6

Module 1: General Ecology and Ecosystems

4h

Unit 6: Patterns of Community Structure

4 study hours
  • •Understand ecological succession.
  • •Describe community equilibrium.
  • •Analyze human influence on succession.
Week
7

Module 2: Population Dynamics

5h

Unit 1: Population Ecology

5 study hours
  • •Describe population characteristics.
  • •Explain population size and density.
  • •Discuss natality and mortality.
Week
8

Module 2: Population Dynamics

4h

Unit 2: Population Patterns and Measurements

4 study hours
  • •Explain species distribution patterns.
  • •Use life tables to calculate mortality rates.
  • •Describe survivorship curves.
Week
9

Module 2: Population Dynamics

5h

Unit 3: Population Growth

5 study hours
  • •Describe exponential and logistic growth.
  • •Understand carrying capacity.
  • •Analyze intraspecific competition.
Week
10

Module 2: Population Dynamics

4h

Unit 4: Population Regulation

4 study hours
  • •Explain density-dependent regulation.
  • •Describe density-independent regulation.
  • •Discuss demographic-based population models.
Week
11

Module 2: Population Dynamics

5h

Unit 5: Human Population Growth

5 study hours
  • •Analyze human population growth.
  • •Discuss age structure and economic development.
  • •Understand long-term consequences of population growth.
Week
12

Module 4: Man and the Environment

4h

Unit 1: Relationship between Man and the Environment

4 study hours
  • •Describe the relationship between man and the environment.
  • •Explain the use of natural resources.
  • •Discuss the production of waste and pollutants.
Week
13

Module 4: Man and the Environment

5h

Unit 2: Pollution, Types, Sources and Characteristics

5 study hours
  • •Describe types, sources, and characteristics of pollution.
  • •Explain pathways of pollution.
  • •Discuss the sector of the environment affected by pollution.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps for each module, linking key terms and processes.

2

Focus on understanding the nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) and their impact on ecosystems.

3

Practice applying population dynamics models (exponential, logistic) to different scenarios.

4

Review case studies on pollution and its effects on human health and the environment.

5

Prepare summaries of each biome, noting key characteristics, species, and environmental factors.

6

Allocate study time evenly across all modules, but prioritize areas of personal weakness.

7

Use self-assessment exercises at the end of each unit to test your understanding and identify areas for further study.

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