課程大綱

課程資訊

課程名稱

生活中的生態學
Ecology in everyday life

開課學期

112-2

授課對象

授課教師

周均珈

課號

MPB5300

課程識別碼

H44EU5300

班次

學分

3.0

全/半年

半年

必/選修

選修

上課時間

星期二2,3,4(9:10~12:10)

上課地點

綜402

備註

本課程以英語授課。兼通識A8*。。A8*:生命科學領域。可充抵通識
總人數上限：45人

課程簡介影片

核心能力關聯

本課程尚未建立核心能力關連

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課程概述

Ecology is a science for everybody. It has broad relevance to society, making it accessible to individuals from various disciplines. Its focus lies in understanding species abundance and distribution, as well as the interactions between organisms and their environments, spanning different ecological levels from individuals to communities. In this introductory ecology course, we will start by exploring how environmental conditions and available resources influence the vital functions of individuals, including birth, death, and movement. Through this understanding, we will delve into the regulation of population dynamics. In the second half of the semester, we will shift our attention to examining the interactions between species and their biotic environment, which ultimately shape community composition. Each lecture will not only cover foundational theories but also highlight the application of these theories by both pioneering and contemporary ecologists. Throughout the course, students will have ample opportunities to exchange ideas and engage in discussions with their peers.

課程目標

The course will be designed as a 3-credit course. It will employ a blended and interactive approach, combining lectures, tours, group presentations, and classroom discussions. Even students without prior knowledge of ecology will receive support to successfully complete the course. Throughout the course, students will gain an appreciation for nature with basic understanding of ecological theories.
Upon completion, students will have the ability to:
‧explain, from an individual to a community level, how organisms interact with their environment, shaping their ecological niche, and how biotic and abiotic factors collectively influence species abundance and distribution.
‧creatively apply their ecological knowledge in tackling societal crises.
‧demonstrate critical thinking, communication skills, problem solving, project managing, and teamwork.

課程要求

This course is suitable for students who possess a passion for understanding nature and wish to apply ecological knowledge to the management of natural resources and wildlife conservation. Active participation from students is essential, as they will be expected to complete assigned readings prior to lectures, participate in group discussions, and complete weekly assignments. Through lectures and discussions, students will develop a basic foundation in ecological principles and gain insights into contemporary environmental issues. Additionally, we will dedicate biweekly sessions to the production of “Guide to Sustainable Living”. Each group of students will present a mid-term proposal, which will undergo peer assessment. At the end of the semester, students will produce the “guide” and be able share with the general public to make positive changes in the society.

預期每週課後學習時數

Office Hours

另約時間備註： Any quetions feel free to contact TA Yun-Chi Chen (r12945041@ntu.edu.tw)

指定閱讀

參考書目

The course content will be derived primary from the textbook listed below. Some additional papers will be announced as the lecture unfolds.
Begon M., Townsend C. R. 2006. Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems, 4th edition. (John Wiley and Sons)

評量方式
(僅供參考)

針對學生困難提供學生調整方式

上課形式
作業繳交方式
考試形式
其他	由師生雙方議定

課程進度

週次	日期	單元主題
Week 1	2/20	Course introduction, expectation, schedule for group presentations Preface & introduction: ecology & its domain Assignment: Share your thoughts
Week 2	*2/26	NTU museum tour (zoology & botany) Assignment: Reflection on the museum tour
Week 3	3/5	Ch. 1 Interactions between organisms and their environments Activity: play an ecological board game (14:20-16:20) Assignment: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Week 4	3/12	Ch. 2 Conditions Group discussion: Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be used to enhance crop yields and reduce agricultural impacts? Assignment: Assignment: Sustainable tourism
Week 5	3/19	Ch. 3 Resources Group discussion: Should protected areas be opened for sustainable tourism and development? Assignment: To be determined
Week 6	3/26	Movie: Good Morni MIT 山椒魚來了 Assignment: Climate change regulations
Week 7	4/2	Ch. 4 Life, death and life histories Group discussion: Should governments implement more stringent regulations to combat climate change? How? Assignment: Submission of your proposal
Week 8	4/9	Group presentation of a proposed flyer Midterm report: Submission of your presentation slides Assignment: Give comments to other's proposal
Week 9	4/16	Ch. 6 Dispersal, dormancy, and metapopulation Group discussion: feedbacks to midterm presentations Assignment: Are humans ecosystem engineers?
Week 10	4/23	Ch. 10 The population dynamics of predation Group discussion: Are humans ecosystem engineers? Assignment: Zoos, aquariums and biodiversity conservation
Week 11	4/30	Ch. 8 Interspecific competition Group discussion: Is the establishment of zoos and aquariums ef-fective in contributing to biodiversity conservation? Assignment: Biodegradable plastic and waste problems
Week 12	5/7	Ch. 12 Parasitism and disease Group discussion: Is biodegradable plastic a viable solution to the plastic waste problem? Assignment: Organic farming
Week 13	5/14	Ch. 13 Symbiosis and mutualism Group discussion: Is organic farming more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional farming? Assignment: Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research or entertainment?
Week 14	5/21	Ch. 16 The nature of the community: patterns in space and time Group discussion: Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research or entertainment? Assignment: Prepare final presentation
Week 15	5/28	Final presentation & modification
Week 16	6/4	Final presentation