Introductory Ecology

1. Explain the fundamental concepts of ecology and ecosystem dynamics.
2. Describe the characteristics and functions of different types of ecosystems.
3. Identify the major threats to ecosystems and their consequences.
4. Apply ecological principles to ecosystem management and conservation.
5. Analyze the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of different ecosystem management strategies.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Ecology · 2 hours

     Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Define ecology and explain its importance.. Differentiate between the biosphere and ecosphere.. Describe the one-way flow of energy and recycling of chemicals in the ecosphere..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: The Ecosystem · 2 hours

     Define and describe an ecosystem.. Explain the major living and non-living components of an ecosystem.. Discuss the major features of an ecosystem: interdependence, diversity, resilience, adaptability, unpredictability, and limits..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Energy Flow in Ecosystems · 2 hours

     Compare and contrast food chains and food webs.. Explain the concept of energy flow pyramid in ecosystems.. Trace the flow of energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels.. Discuss the implications of energy loss at each trophic level..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Matters Recycling in Ecosystems I · 2 hours

     Describe biogeochemical cycles and their functions.. Explain the types of biogeochemical cycles: gaseous and sedimentary.. Discuss human interventions in matter recycling and their consequences..

5. Week 5Module 1:

   • Unit 5: Species Interaction in Ecosystem · 2 hours

     Define species and identify different types of species in an ecosystem.. Explain the roles played by different organisms in an ecosystem.. Describe the types of interactions among organisms: competition, exploitation, mutualism, engineering, and commensalism..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Terrestrial Ecosystems 1 · 2 hours

     Define terrestrial ecosystems.. Explain the factors determining plant types in terrestrial ecosystems: climate, temperature, and precipitation.. Describe the major types of terrestrial ecosystems: deserts, forests, and grasslands..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Terrestrial Ecosystems II · 2 hours

     Explain the various types of deserts: tropical, temperate, and cold.. Explain the various types of forests: tropical rain forests, temperate deciduous forests, and coniferous forests.. Explain the various types of grasslands: tropical grasslands, temperate grasslands, and polar grasslands..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Aquatic Ecosystems & Types · 2 hours

     Define aquatic ecosystems.. List the types of world's aquatic ecosystems.. Describe the major types of aquatic ecosystems: oceans and inland water bodies..

9. Week 9Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Major Oceans · 2 hours

     Explain the meaning of open sea.. List the examples of open seas of the world.. Discuss the importance of oceans and the aquatic life forms they support..

10. Week 10Module 2:

    • Unit 5: Freshwater Ecosystems · 2 hours

      Describe the freshwater ecosystem with examples.. Explain the different types of freshwater ecosystems: lakes, reservoirs, and streams.. Differentiate between freshwater ecosystems and major ocean zones..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 1: Overview of Nigerian Environment · 2 hours

      Describe the Nigerian environment, including climate, geology, landforms, soils, drainage, hydrology, and vegetation.. Explain the elements that shape the Nigerian ecosystems..

    • Unit 2: Nigerian Terrestrial Ecosystems · 2 hours

      State the different terrestrial ecosystems in Nigeria.. Describe the Nigerian terrestrial ecosystems and their extent.. Locate the different ecosystems on a map of Nigeria..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystem · 2 hours

      Describe the major types of aquatic ecosystems in Nigeria.. Explain the extent and location of Nigeria's aquatic ecosystems.. Explain the biological resources found in aquatic ecosystems and their distribution..

    • Unit 4: Flora and Fauna in the Nigerian Ecosystem · 2 hours

      Explain what flora and fauna are.. Describe the types of flora and fauna found in the Nigerian ecosystem.. Describe the specific flora and fauna found in different Nigerian ecosystems..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Unit 5: Threats of Nigerian Ecosystems · 2 hours

      Explain the nature of threats to ecosystems.. Identify and describe the types of threat factors: devegetation, erosion, overgrazing, desertification, and human activities.. Discuss the specific threats to Nigerian wetlands and savanna ecosystems..