Competencies and objectives

 

Course context for academic year 2021-22

Modelling Ecological Systems is a training course in the Supplementary Compulsory module type that is taught in the 3rd year (sixth semester) Grade Biology. Its main objective is to understand the functioning of ecological systems, with special emphasis on biogeochemical cycles. This subject is related to other subjects such as ecology, oceanography, geology and plant physiology, and it provides a framework for facilitating student approach to other areas as soil science, toxicology or agrobiology. Knowledge of the philosophy and practice of modeling will be an invaluable tool during later courses and along student's professional careers.

This subject will be especially interesting for training future biologists for three reasons. (1) It provides fundamental knowledge on nutrient cycling, carbon and water. (2) It promotes a systemic vision of ecosystems, landscapes and the planet. (3) It provides practical information on models and modeling.

 

 

Course content (verified by ANECA in official undergraduate and Master’s degrees) for academic year 2021-22

Generic Degree Course Competences

  • CG1 : Develop the capacity for analysis, synthesis and critical reasoning.
  • CG10 : Develop knowledge-based critical attitudes.
  • CG3 : Solve problems effectively.
  • CG4 : Show capacity for teamwork.
  • CG5 : Commitment to ethics and the values of equality, as well as social responsibility as a citizen and as a professional.
  • CG6 : Self-learning.

 

Specific Competences:>>Theoretical

  • CE23 : Analyse the components of the physical environment: hydric, atmospheric and terrestrial and their relationship with the biotic environment.
  • CE24 : Acquire the basic knowledge to analyse the structure and dynamics of populations.
  • CE25 : Relate the different interactions between species in the working of ecosystems.
  • CE26 : Acquire the basic knowledge to analyse the structure and dynamics of communities.
  • CE27 : Relate the flows of energy and the biogeochemical cycles in the working of ecosystems.
  • CE28 : Acquire the knowledge needed to design and execute biology projects.
  • CE3 : Understand and apply mathematical and statistical methods for validating models from experimental data applied to Biology.
  • CE4 : Recognise different levels of organisation in living systems.

 

Specific Competences:>>Ability

  • CE29 : Show knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories related to the areas of Biology.
  • CE30 : Interpret, evaluate, process and synthesis Biological data and information.
  • CE31 : Recognise and implement good scientific practices for measurement and experimentation.
  • CE32 : Safe handling: biological material, reagents, instruments and devices used in Biology.
  • CE33 : Carry out standard laboratory procedures involved in analytical tasks.
  • CE34 : Plan, design and execute practical research studies, evaluating the results.
  • CE35 : Interpret data gathered from observation and measurement in the laboratory and the field.
  • CE38 : Use inductive and deductive methods correctly in the field of Biology.
  • CE40 : Relate Biology to other disciplines.
  • CE41 : Acquire the ability to direct, advise, design and execute biological process projects and studies.
  • CE46 : Design biological models.

 

Generic UA Competences

  • CGUA1 : Understand scientific English.
  • CGUA2 : Express oneself correctly, both orally and in writing, in either of the official languages of the Region of Valencia.
  • CGUA3 : Possess computer skills relevant to the field of study.
  • CGUA4 : Acquire or possess basic ICT skills (Information and Communication Technologies) and manage the information obtained correctly.

 

 

 

Learning outcomes (Training objectives)

No data

 

 

Specific objectives stated by the academic staff for academic year 2021-22

1. Identify the main elements that characterize the main systems and models in ecology.

2. Correctly apply analysis techniques and layout of the structure and relationships between system components.

3. Study the main biogeochemical cycles and their processes, and identify alterations causing current environmental problems.

4. Learn the main analysis techniques for the study of biogeochemical processes.

5. Gain experience in working in a biogeochemistry laboratory, including planning and security measures.

6. Apply acquired knowledge and skills by developing simple ecosystem models, and study specific environmental problems, simulating management measures.

7. Get introduced to the main simulation models for solving environmental problems.

 

 

General

Code: 26538
Lecturer responsible:
CORTINA I SEGARRA, JORDI
Credits ECTS: 6,00
Theoretical credits: 0,72
Practical credits: 1,68
Distance-base hours: 3,60

Departments involved

  • Dept: Agrochemistry and Biochemistry
    Area: SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY
    Theoretical credits: 0,12
    Practical credits: 0,28
  • Dept: ECOLOGY
    Area: ECOLOGY
    Theoretical credits: 0,6
    Practical credits: 1,4
    This Dept. is responsible for the course.
    This Dept. is responsible for the final mark record.

Study programmes where this course is taught