Introduction to ecological applications

This unit introduces you to ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems. You will gain an understanding of how populations of animals and plants survive and interact in their environments. The unit covers fundamental ecological theories and concepts such as biodiversity, population growth, predation, competition, succession, mutualism, nutrient cycling and disturbance. Consideration will be given to how many of these processes operate differently between different environments. You will learn how ecological theories can then be applied in the different environmental conditions: urban, agriculture and/or natural environments. The practical component comprises experimental design and data sampling in the actual/virtual field excursion.