Current Trends in Ecology & Evolution

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_470507

Course Objective

Students will be able to:
- Underpin the importance of evolutionary and ecological interactions between organisms
- Critically evaluate and investigate the relevant interactions between symbiotic (soil) species, as well as plant-herbivore and predator-prey species.
- Critically evaluate and investigate the relevant functional traits that underlie ecological interactions
- In the field: apply different techniques to survey the soil, plant, herbivore, prey or predator subsystems
- In the laboratory: carry out ecological, evolutionary or biochemical analyses, with emphasis on organismal traits.
- Write, adapt and defend a project proposal.

Course Content

In this course we will cover broad ecological and evolutionary questions with a strong focus on species-specific traits and their influence across community networks. We will specifically focus on two fields, namely the interaction between below-ground (brown web) and above ground (green web) communities, and the interaction between predators and prey. Using trait-based approach, we will aim to understand how species-specific functional traits can influence interactions among organisms and how response traits in turn can influence ecological services, such as primary production, nutrient cycling or pest control. These subjects are discussed based on various papers that will be used as the basic literature for the seminars given by the (guest) lecturers. In the first week, students will work on formulating ideas for a research proposal. In the second week, students will perform experiments on location (on the island of Schiermonnikoog , The Netherlands, travel date on Sunday preceding the 2nd week), where we have ongoing research projects and access to field sites. In the third week, students will work on their research proposal and in the fourth week the research proposal will be submitted and defended.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and discussion groups (16 hours) on important theoretical concepts underlying soil, plant, animal interactions. Fieldwork (5 days) to test hypotheses and methods of own research project / research proposal Laboratory work (5 days) to analyse samples of own research project and to prepare presentation.

Method of Assessment


- Individual performance in critical group discussions about important theory based on research papers/chapters
- Preliminary and final presentation about research ideas and final project
- A written report about background, design and (synthesis of) results of own research project proposal

Literature

Selected literature will be made available via Canvas, which includes recent key papers in international journals

Target Audience

MSc students with focus on ecology and evolution of traits

Custom Course Registration

Fieldwork costs have to be contributed in advance. Details will be announced via Blackboard

Additional Information

Lecturers: dr. W. Halfwerk dr. K. Fleischer prof. dr. M.P. Berg, prof. dr. J.H.C. Cornelissen, Zeke Rowe J. van Hal ing. R.S.P. van Logtestijn.

Entry Requirements

Students that can enrol in the course need to have a BSc in Biology or related curriculum, with at least 4 courses in the fields of ecology and/or evolution. Exceptions are possible on a case-by-case basis (contact the coordinator to inquire about this)). To attend this course their will also be costs involved. A part of the expenses for accommodation at Schiermonnikoog have to be covered by the MSc-students themselves.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master