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Ecological Aspects of Bio-interactions

ENT30306

The course focuses on biological interactions between invertebrates (arthropods, nematodes), micro-organisms and plants, and between beneficial organisms and pathogens and their hosts in natural and agro-ecosystems. The major themes covered in the lectures include biodiversity, interaction and communication between organisms, including different trophic levels, fundamental mechanisms underlying bio-interactions, and ecosystem services. We concentrate on intra- and interspecific interactions and application of this knowledge to explore, monitor and evaluate (agro-)ecosystem management strategies using biodiversity principles, often referred to as functional biodiversity.

Leerresultaten

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • understand interactions between individual organisms, and their consequences for populations, communities and ecosystems;
  • understand the role of biodiversity in provision of ecosystem services;
  • explore, develop and evaluate management strategies and practices that enable and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity;
  • manage the interactions between crops, (parasitic) weeds, insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes at different trophic levels;
  • strengthen the inherent quality of agro-ecosystems in preventing pest and disease development with a socio-economic context;
  • carry out a research project: formulate research questions and a project proposal, design an experiment, carry out experimental work, collect and record data, analyse results, write a scientific publication and present the results in a mini-symposium.

Onderwijsmethode en toetsing

The final mark will be based on a written (digital) exam (50%) concerning the lectures and on the evaluation of the overall performance during the mini-research project (50%).

Veronderstelde voorkennis

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
Basic knowledge on biology and ecology is assumed

Link naar meer informatie

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