Advanced Ecology - Course Outline

 Course Syllabus in Advanced Ecology

Dr Abe V Rotor

Professor, GRADUATE SCHOOL University of Santo Tomas

I. COURSE CODE: Bio 604 

II. COURSE TITLE: Advanced Ecology 

III. No. of Units: 3 

IV. Prerequisite: None 

V. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course deals with the interrelationship among organisms on one hand, and between organisms and their environment on the other, as they influence the ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole. The study includes the factors affecting the structure and function of ecosystems as they are affected by natural phenomena and by the action of man. 

VI. COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course, the students are expected – 

A. General Objective: To understand the workings of natural laws governing the major ecosystems that make up the biosphere and the effects of human activities on their diversity, organization, cycle and structure. 

B. Specific Objectives: 

1. To trace the bio-geo-chemical cycles as they affect the composition and dynamic balance of the living and non-living environment. 

2. To trace the energy flow through the food chain, food web and food pyramid as these determine species survival, diversity and distribution, dominance etc, in relation to their natural habitats and the ecosystem they form. 

3. To study the major communities (biomes) and their various ecosystem components, their interrelationships and changes (seres) that characterize their dynamic balance. 

4. To relate ecology with the physical and social sciences (e.g. pollution as a technological and social issue) 

5. To find solutions to current environmental problems such as the endangered species, deforestation, pollution and the like.

6. To appreciate the aesthetic value and function of a balanced environment, its influence on the development of a wholesome character and inspiration in the arts and other fields of human endeavor. 

7. To understand the concept of planning and programming of environmental conservation, parks and wildlife management, human settlements, modern concepts of parks and zoos, sustainable agriculture and the like. 

8. To study various movement and institutional programs led by the Church, government, NGOs, media education and civil society on matters pertaining to ecology (e.g. overpopulation, poverty, industrialization) 

III. COURSE OUTLINE 

1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------- 9 hours 

Overview of ecological principles - Energy flow - Bio-geo-chemical cycles - Diversity of life and evolution 

2. Community Ecology ----------------------------------------------------- 9 hours 

- Biomes and ecosystems 

- The Tropical Rainforest: A Model biome and ecosystem

- Marine Ecology - Seres and Niches 

- Sustainability and destruction of ecosystems 

Core Value: Faith and Reverence Faculty leads in understanding the magnificence of creation, its “unity in diversity,” “homeostasis in change,” and “holism in complexity;” assures man’s innate goodness to prevail over his inadequacies and excesses as custodian of God’s creation. 

3. Pollution -------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 hours 

- Solid waste management (landfill, recycling, etc.) - Industrialization and its by-product - Water and air pollution 

- Nuclear and highly toxic wastes

- Pesticides and environmental hazards 

Core Value: Critical thinking and Organization Faculty stimulates students to elevate level of consciousness in critiquing major issues of ecology through research and creative skills development, while expanding their social consciousness on such issues.

4. Human Ecology ---------------------------------------------------------- 6 hours - 

Population and demography - Urbanization and growth of mega cities - GNP and HDI: Ecological implications - Endangered ethic communities and cultures 

Core Value: Integration and Projection Faculty stresses the importance of looking beyond present-day problems, instilling in them the value of preparedness. He emphasizes interdisciplinary and integrative approaches in ecology so as to encompass the natural and social sciences. 

5. Environmental conservation ----------------------------------------- 6 hours 

- Reforestation and re-vegetation 

- National parks and wildlife conservation 

- Environment-friendly and natural farming 

- Soil and water conservation 

Core Value: Zeal and Involvement Faculty encourages his students in conservation measures through individual initiative - at home and community; leads his students to curve the ill-effects of environmental destruction; commits himself together with his students as catalyst of change through Christian and Filipino values in making this world a better place to live. 

6. Values, laws and movements about the environment -------------- 9 hours 

- Role of education, media, church, government, private and civic organizations 

- Clean Air act and other laws

 - Protocols from Stockholm, Uruguay, Nairobi, Kyoto, Rio de Janeiro conferences 

- Environmentalism and concept of heroes for Planet Earth 

Core Value:  Ethical action Faculty instills value of community concern as God-fearing and law-abiding citizen, developing the students potential for leadership. 

7. Major Ecological Issues and Case Studies --------------------------- 9 hours 

- El Niño, red tide, global warming 

- Genetic engineering, GMO 

- Zero waste management - Threats to biodiversity 

- Sustainable Progress and Development: An Outlook

- Other issues 

Core Value: Community Building and Involvement Faculty instills community involvement and participation in ecology projects/programs in the immediate communities of the students; demonstrates recycling and other projects in ecology. 

TOTAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 hours 

IV. LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODOLOGIES 

1. Student-teacher interaction (recitation, question-and-answer session) 

2. Group dynamics (group discussions. role playing) 

3. Classroom and field demonstration, field study 

4. Projects (e.g. transforms, recycling) 

5. Handouts, reference materials, audio-visual aids 

V. ASSESSMENT AND GRADING Major exams 40% Class standing 60% (attendance 10%, quizzes/tests 20%, project, report 20%) 

Requirements: 

1. Class attendance                   5. Field research/field trip 

2. Class participation                 6. Projects (e.g. transforms)

3. Quizzes and tests                  7. Assignments and research papers 

4. Major examinations                8. References: books, journals, audio-visual aids 

VI. TEXTBOOKS/REFERENCES 

1. Avadhuta, Acarya P (1990) Neo-Humanist Ecology Ananga Marga Manila 151 pp 

2. Brown L R (1992) State of the World. A Worldwatch Institute Report 256 pp 

3. Brewer R (1994) The Science of Ecology 2nd ed Saunders Publishing 773 pp 

4. Carson R (1960) Silent Spring 

5. Croall S and W Rankin (1980) Ecology for Beginners Pantheon Books 175 pp 

6. Garcia MI (1997) Ecologia Filipina Maricon Enterprises 257 pp 

7. Odum E (1971) Fundamentals of Ecology 3rd ed Saunders 574 pp 

8. Raven PH and GB Johnson (1988) Understanding Biology 3rd ed W Brown 900 pp 

9. Rotor A.V (2003 and 2005) Living with Nature Series (2 vols)UST Publishing House 

10. Rotor AV (2000) Light from the Old Arch UST Publishing House 

11. Schumacher EC (1965) Small is Beautiful 

12. Soriano LE (1995) Save the Earth: What Schools Can Do Phoenix 186 pp 

13. Stiling P (1998) Ecology: Theories and Applications 2nd ed Prentice-Hall 539 pp

Journals and magazines
Internet; Cable TV: National Geographic, History, Living Asia, Bio and Discover
Movies and documentary: An Inconvenient Truth, Life After People series, Fly Away Home, Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, Moby Dick, Flipper