Ecology of Populations and Communities

The subject complements the contents developed in the course "Ecology" (4th semester) and, along with it, provides essential ecological foundations for environmental education and training of graduate students in Biology. The subject provides an integrated perspective of the functioning of biological systems. Its contents will form the basis for subsequent courses of environmental content, specifically for "Modelling of ecological systems" and "Methods in biodiversity" (6th semester), and other subjects within the itinerary "Environmental Biology". The contents of the subject and the competences that the subject contributes to develop are essential for the development of the environmental professional profile, especially in the field of ecological and environmental assessment and management, as well as in restoration and conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity; besides, the subject contributes to ecological training and basic knowledge on the functioning of the planet Earth and its ecosystems, which are crucial in the education of graduates in Biology.
Given the synthetic and inclusive nature of Ecology, the subject is based on knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses as "Biology", "Geology", "Statistics", "Genetics", "Biochemistry I and II", "Zoology I and II", "Botany", " Microbiology", "Plant biodiversity" and "Plant Physiology ", and especially in the transdisciplinary course "Introduction to research in Biology.

Course will consist of 60hrs of in class work and 90 hrs of independent work outside the classroom.

Course includes field work, workshops, computer practicals and a lab component.