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| Semester | spring semester 2024 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Jan Beck (jan.beck@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The course will provide you with sound background knowledge in ecology and evolutionary biology. While I will primarily treat basic science topics and principles in these fields, the topics were also chosen for their relevance for applied sciences such as conservation, agro-sciences and ecosystem management. We will treat the basics of evolutionary theory (e.g., common descent, natural selection, reproductive isolation and speciation), the genetic basis of evolution (e.g., mutation and recombination, selfish genes), and examples of human impact on evolution. The ecology part introduces basic concepts such as population growth, interspecific interactions, and the patterns of primary productivity and their consequences (among others). We will also look in detail at the geographic ranges of species and resulting emergent phenomena, such as biodiversity. A global perspective on the human impact on biodiversity, and its feedback on human economy, will put this into applied perspective. |
| Learning objectives | You will understand the scientific basis of ecological and evolutionary theory, which is a precondition to understand many applied issues in conservation, ecosystem management, agricultural sciences and other topics of human-environment relationships. |
| Bibliography | Recommended textbooks: - Biogeography, 4th ed., by Mark V. Lomolino, Brett R. Riddle, and Robert J. Whittaker; Oxford University Press. - Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, 4th ed., by Michael Begon, Colin R. Townsend, John L. Harper; Wiley-Blackwell - Evolution, 3rd ed. by Mark Ridley; Wiley-Blackwell. - The selfish gene by Richard Dawkins, Oxford University Press. - Collapse: how societies choose to fail or survive by Jared Diamond; Penguin Books. All books are available at Basel university library. Additional journal article links or PDFs will be made available during the course (via ADAM). |
| Comments | Mandatory for students with focus area in social sciences and in economics. Unless you have a background in natural sciences and have already attended a similar course; you would have to substitute it by agreement with Prof. Dr. Patraicia Holm (learning agreement). Irregular timetable: 28.02.; 06.03.; 20.03.; 27.03.; 03.04.; 24.04. and 08.05.24 (examination) 22.05.24 (repeat examination). For students with focus area in natural sciences the lecture is optional (and can be attended if you have not attended a similar course already) credit points are to be transferred to the "Focal Areas in Sustainability Research" module (learning agreement). This lecture is offered by MSD. Dr. J. Beck holds a teaching assignment. For more information on Jan Beck see: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1170-4751 |
| Admission requirements | Participation only possible for MSD students (incl. preparation semester). |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments | Irregular timetable, details see below. |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 28.02.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 06.03.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 20.03.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 27.03.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 03.04.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 24.04.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 08.05.2024 | 16.15-18.00 | Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 120 |
| Modules |
Module: Complementary Knowledge in Natural Sciences (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance. Required readings and active participation. Written examination: 08.05.24: during usual teaching time slot; room: Kollegienhaus, lecture hall 120 Repeat examination: 22.05.24, Seminar room 02.02, Vesalianum |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |