Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Organization

TTK Department of Plant Taxonomy and Ecology

Code

ktudalkokob17em

Title

Applied ecology

Usual semester

Autumn

Published semester

2026/27/1

ECTS

2

Language

en

Learning outcomes

The course assumes a basic level knowledge of ecology. The objective of the course is to provide an advanced-level understanding of the most important topics in ecology associated with human activities. Competency: Knowledge: Has a clear knowledge of the main topics, concepts and terminology of fundamental and applied ecology. Familiar with the main methods of research, and most important results in ecology. Understands the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Is aware of the most important anthropogenic influences threatening ecosystems, and understands the main ecological problems of our age. Ability: Able to link and integrate ecology with other disciplines of natural sciences. Able to use the basic concepts and terminology of ecology, and able to think creatively. Able to apply his/her knowledge for understanding ecological phenomena observed in nature. Able to express his/her opinion about ecological issues professionally. Attitude: Open to learn more about ecology and related areas in natural sciences. Committed to use his/her knowledge for better understanding of ecological systems, and open to adopt an integrative view. Committed to improve continuously his/her knowledge in ecology and environmental science. Committed to the conservation of wildlife on the Earth. Autonomy and responsibility: Able to independently analyse and evaluate applied ecological issues. Responsible for forming scientifically sound opinion concerning ecological problems, environmental science issues, and associated ethical questions. Feels responsible for acquiring scientifically based knowledge, and for high standards in his/her own research.

Course content

Main topics of the course: Global biodiversity patterns. How many species live on Earth? Geographic trends in species richness. Changes in species richness over time in the past and present, their consequences for biological communities and humanity. Relationship between the species richness of biological communities and the functioning of ecological systems. Ecosystem services and the impact of biodiversity on them. Agricultural ecosystems: acroecology, agrobiodiversity. The ecological role of fire: natural and anthropogenic fires, the fire regime, the multifaceted impact of fire on biological communities and ecosystems. Exploitation of natural populations and communities: sustainable utilization and overexploitation (overfishing, overhunting). Ecological consequences of today's global climate change: shifts in the geographical distribution and seasonal development rhythms of organisms, increased frequency of climatic disturbances and their strengthening control on ecological systems; humanity's responsibility and how to combat it. Ecological consequences of large-scale cultivation of genetically modified transgenic crops. Changes in the Earth's human population and its impact on nature from prehistoric times to the present day, future prospects. Restoration of natural habitats: restoration ecology.

Assessment method

k5 = exam mark (5) (1 failed, 5 excellent) Evaluation is based on the students’ individual performance. The students prepare for the exam from lecture handouts and their notes during the lectures. The exam is a written test.

Bibliography

Lecture handouts (pdf)

Recommended bibliography

Miller, T. G. Jr., Spoolman, S. E. 2009: Essentials of ecology. 5th ed., Brooks/Cole, Belmont. Eichhorn, M. P. 2016: Natural systems – The organisation of life. John Wiley & Sons,, Chichester.

Programmes of the course