About this course
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.
Learning outcomes
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
Assessment method
- Written test with open and closed questions (50%)
- Assignment oral presentation (5%) Part of the mini-project. If the oral presentation is below the minimal grade, students can re-do the presentation during the resit period.
- Assignment report (25%) Part of the mini-project. If the report is below the minimal grade, students can re-submit a revised version of the report during the resit period.
- Performance (20%) Part of the mini-project. If the Performance is below the minimal grade, students need to re-do the entire mini-project in the next academic year.
Prior knowledge
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety Basic knowledge on biology and ecology is assumed
Resources
- All relevant information is available in Brightspace
Additional information
- Contact a coordinator
- Levelmaster
- Mode of instructionon campus
Starting dates
1 Sept 2025
ends 26 Oct 2025