Foundations of Ecology: Course structure and syllabus details

Reference textbook (broadly): The Princeton Guide to Ecology

Helpful read: https://michaelkaspari.org/2017/07/17/the-ten-principles-of-ecology/

Grading scheme (100 marks total):

• Class participation (including paper discussions) = 30 points
• Assignments = 40 points (10 each for paper synopsis + 20 LV app)
• Final paper = 40 points

Overview:

The goal of this module is to provide an overview of theoretical principles that inform the main branches of ecological study. We will also see how theories can be interdependent in explaining patterns and processes and apply across scales of ecological organization. Parts of these theories and their underlying concepts have been dealt with in the foundational course that was categorized into Population ecology: Species interactions: Community ecology: Ecosystems ecology: Global changes in ecosystems. We will see how theories of function, assembly and regulation in ecological systems lay the fundamental premise to approach most ecological problems.

Key theoretical areas to cover:

• Life-history theory, traits and trade-offs
• Species distributions and biodiversity gradients
• Population regulation and competitive dynamics
• Maintenance of biodiversity
• Biodiversity-ecosystem function
• Global environmental change

Evaluation criteria:

• Weekly assignments: Reading the assigned paper, participating in class discussion, and submitting a written summary.
• Final presentation: A broad overview of what you will do for your term paper. Treat it like a proposal presentation.
• Presentation peer review: For your colleagues’ presentation, provide constructive feedback on clarity, logic, flow and coverage of key points.
• Term paper: Take one ecological concept and trace its historical development with applications and insights to ecological questions. You can choose from niche theory, metabolic theory, latitudinal gradients in biodiversity, species coexistence, or any other theme of your interest that was included in the lectures. Discuss applications of this theory to potentially address a conservation problem. Your submission need should not exceed 4000 words (specific details will be shared later). Bibliography for in-text citations will be in addition to the word limit. In general, it is not the length but the substance for which you will be evaluated, but make sure the develop the subject matter in sufficient detail. Start broad and come down to the specifics, but do not make it too narrow, i.e., a single paper or proposed study. Focus on accuracy, clarity, logic, flow and coverage of key points. Writings should be original and use of generative AI tools is NOT allowed.

Session details (1.5 hrs each):

1. Lecture
   • Course expectations and layout
   • Recap of basic ecology course, life history theory

2. Lecture
   • Traits, performance, and trade-offs
   • Physiology and function
   • Paper assigned for discussion

3. Paper presentation and discussion (5 points)

4. Lecture
   • Species distributions
     • Generalists vs. specialists
     • Factors driving abundance and range size
   • Biodiversity distribution: patterns and processes

5. Lecture
   • Population regulation and competition
   • Trophic interactions

6. Assignment 2 (based on Lotka Volterra online app, 15 points)

7. Paper presentation and discussion (5 points)

8. Lecture
   • Community assembly and maintenance of biodiversity
     • Niche and neutral perspectives
     • Species coexistence
     • Networks

9. Lecture
   • Biodiversity-ecosystem function
     • Niche complementarity
     • Mass effects and selection

10. Paper presentation and discussion (5 points)

11. Guest lecture
    • E.g., Disease ecology, Alternative stable states, ecological networks

12. Paper presentation and discussion (5 points)

13. Lecture
    • Eco evolutionary feedback
    • Global change biology

14. Final presentation (hours will depend on numbers)

15. Field trip: full day
    • Basic techniques of ecological observation and data collection

Additional details:

* Will need a teaching assistant, especially for field excursion

* Field trip (tentative, details TBD)

* Final paper submission:

- To be turned in no later than one month from last session

- Pick one thematic area and identify a sub-theme to go deeper. Write a 4000-word review of your chosen topic.