Bi0662 Selected topics in ecology

Faculty of Science
autumn 2021
Extent and Intensity
1/0/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
prof. Jacob Vanhouten (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Milan Chytrý, Ph.D.
Department of Botany and Zoology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: prof. RNDr. Michal Horsák, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Botany and Zoology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The students will obtain knowledge about topic and subjects which are not taught in regular courses at Masaryk University. This course is offered by external lecturers who talk about their research. There are different lecturers in every semester. Rather than a comprehensive coverage of some subject, the purpose of this course is defining scientific problems in a focused topic, discussion on methods applied to solve these problems, and presentation of results of particular projects. The objective is to demostrate some topic which is not included in regular courses offered at Masaryk University.
Learning outcomes
After finishing this course, the student:
- will have basic ideas about one sub-discipline of ecology that is not covered in a comparable extent in regular courses taught at Masaryk University;
- know the main questions of current research in this sub-discipline.
Syllabus
  • The topic for the autumn semester 2021 is "Stream Ecology" presented by Professor Jacob W. VanHouten, Fulbright visiting Scholar (USA). The course language will be English.
  • The course is aimed at introducing major stream system ecology concepts. It is designed to introduce the student to the physical environmental factors that affect organisms inhabiting streams as well as the human influence/impacts on streams. The energy flow through stream ecosystems will be emphasized along with the lifestyles and interdependencies of steam animals. Emphasis on several different types/ of streams will be a necessary component. It is anticipated that a one-day field/lab stream experience will be made available to interested students (as a bonus/upon request after completion of the course).
  • Besides lectures/discussions, students will undertake a course project in which they investigate/research ONE of the following topics (a SHORT oral and/or written report will be required):
  • 1. The characteristics of a Trout Stream; 2. Different substrates (bottom sediment) in streams; 3. The characteristics of spring fed streams; 4. The effect of dissolved oxygen on streams; 5. Nutrient loading in streams (Phosphates); 6. Nutrient loading in streams (Nitrates); 7. The Characteristics of trout streams vs. warm water streams; 8. Biological Oxygen demand in streams; 9. The ecological role of a selected invertebrate in streams; 10. The ecological role of trout/other fish; 11. The effects of urban activity on a stream; 12. Importance of riparian areas near a stream; 13. The effect of impounding a stream; 14. Thermal pollution of a stream; 15. Stream Morphology; 16. Compare and contrast lentic/lotic systems; 17. Dioxin in stream sediments; 18. Effects of anthropogenic activities on streams/watersheds; 19.The effect of agriculture on streams; 20. Any student selected topic of interest (approved by instructor).
  • After course completion, students will join in an open discussion on the content and outcome of the course to address any unanswered questions or issues and to determine further study/inquiry of interest to the class.
  • Schedule
  • Day 1 (Friday afternoon): Lecture – Course and student introductions; Overview of stream ecology; schedule, open discussions of student interests/background and anticipated outcomes of the course
  • Day 2 (Saturday): Lecture/Discussions – Macroinvertebrates, stream morphology, abiotic and biotic indicators, assessment techniques (Biotic/pollution tolerance index); case studies.
  • Day 3 (Sunday ½ day): Student Presentation of course projects/research; wrap up discussion and after class celebration!
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Literaturu dodává v případě potřeby zvaný přednášející podle vlastní úvahy.
  • BEGON, Michael, John L. HARPER and Colin R. TOWNSEND. Ekologie : jedinci, populace a společenstva. Translated by Bronislava Grygová - Barbara Köberleová - Zdeněk Brandl. 1. vyd. Olomouc: Vydavatelství Univerzity Palackého, 1997, xxiv, 949. ISBN 8070676957. info
    not specified
  • Literaturu dodává v případě potřeby zvaný přednášející / Literature is supplied by the invited lecturer..
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Assessment methods
To obtain credits for this course students must participate in at least 80% of teaching hours and participate in a class discussion.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
Information on the per-term frequency of the course: předmět je vypisován nepravidelně podle nabáídky témat externích vyučujících.
The course is taught: in blocks.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2008 - for the purpose of the accreditation, Spring 2011 - only for the accreditation, Spring 2003, Spring 2004, Spring 2005, Spring 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, spring 2012 - acreditation, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2023, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (autumn 2021, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2021/Bi0662