Course - Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution - BI1003
Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution
About
About the course
Course content
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to ecology, behaviour and evolution, including the relationship between the three disciplines, and how they together help us understand life on Earth. The course also addresses how knowledge of ecology, behaviour and evolution can help us handle today's environmental challenges, globally and in Norway.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
After completion of the course, the candidate should have:
- solid fundamental knowledge of evolution, ecology and behaviour, and of connections between the three disciplines
- a good understanding of evolution and natural selection as the basis for ecological and behavioural phenomena and processes
- solid knowledge about global environmental challenges, biodiversity and conservation biology, including how the disciplines of the course can help us handle these challenges
- a good understanding of major concepts and methods within the subject area
Skills:
at completion of the course, the candidate can:
- efficiently search for relevant scientific literature on a subject
- communicate scientific knowledge both in written and oral form, to academic and lay audiences
- use knowledge from ecology, behaviour and evolution to analyse and address global and local environmental challenges
General competence:
after completion of the course, the candidate should:
- understand the major theories, concepts, principles and processes of ecology, behaviour and evolution
- understand the role of the disciplines in science and society
Learning methods and activities
The course includes a range of learning and teaching activities: in-class teaching sessions ('lectures'), a literature-based project (in groups), an excursion, a poster presentation, and symposia with contributions from invited scientists, teachers and students. The course has a strong emphasis on student-active learning, which is the core of the projects, the excursion and the symposia. In-class teaching also includes interactive elements, among students, and between teacher and students. The course, and in particular the more student-active parts, has global environmental challenges as a central element.
Compulsory assignments
- Approved project work
Further on evaluation
In case of fail or improvement of grade a new final exam is held during the exam period both spring and fall semester. Mandatory activities that have previously been approved will be valid as long as the course does not undergo major changes. The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught.
Recommended previous knowledge
High-school biology
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
The course uses textbooks of general biology, ecology and animal behaviour. Titles and other information is given in the course plan for the teaching term in question. The project work is based on scientific literature from journals, books and other sources, primarily searched for by the students.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| MNKBI103 | 15 sp | |
| MNKBI130 | 9 sp | |
| ZO140 | 6 sp |
Subject areas
- Biology
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Aline Magdalena Lee
- Anders Gravbrøt Finstad
- Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Gunnar Austrheim
- Sigurd Einum
- Thor Harald Ringsby
- Trond Amundsen
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2023
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.
Ordinary examination - Spring 2024
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.