Biological invasions 7404-SD-BIOL-IB

The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with the mechanisms and processes of biological invasions, which is a modern and dynamically developing branch of contemporary ecology, and one of the crucial anthropogenic phenomena affecting global biodiversity.
During the course, students will learn about: basic definitions of terms associated with biological invasions, pathways of spread, invasion mechanisms, factors facilitating and inhibiting invasions, environmental and economic impact of alien organisms, as well as Polish, European, and world-wide attempts to prevent invasive species.
In addition, results of research conducted in the field of biological invasions by the lecturers will be presented to make students familiar with methods, approaches, and achievements of the local research group.
Students will have an opportunity to discuss the ideas related to biological invasions, share their own views and opinions, and reach common conclusions on the topic.

Term 2022/23Z:

see the general description

Term 2023/24Z:

see the general description

Term 2024/25:

see the general description

Total student workload

Contact hours with teachers (50 h): - lectures – 30 h - consultations - 20 h Self-study hours (20 h): preparing for the final test

Learning outcomes - knowledge

W1 – student knows basic terms related to biological invasions – P8S_WG W2 - student knows pathways and mechanisms of spread of alien species - P8S_WG W3 – student understands positive and negative interactions among various alien species - P8S_WG W4 – student understands the impact of alien organisms on the environment, economy and human health - P8S_WK

Learning outcomes - skills

U1 – student is able to discuss disputable ideas related to the topic of biological invasions, formulate own arguments and conclusions – P8S_UW, P8S_UO

Learning outcomes - social competencies

K1 – student is ready to propagate scientific approach in policy and decision making related to biological invasions – P8S_KK

Teaching methods

Multimedia presentations, demonstrations of living and fixed specimens of invasive organisms, group discussion

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- display

Expository teaching methods

- informative (conventional) lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- seminar

Type of course

compulsory course

Prerequisites

none

Course coordinators

Jarosław Kobak

Assessment criteria

Final written test: Grades: 2 (failed): <50% points; 3: 50-60%, 3.5: 61-70%, 4: 71-80%, 4.5: 81-90%, 5: >90%.

Bibliography

Cadotte M.W., McMahon S.M. Fukami T. (eds) 2006. Conceptual Ecology and Invasion Biology: Reciprocal Approaches to Nature. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
Cox. G.W. 2004. Alien Species and Evolution. Island Press, Washington.
Gherardi F. (ed.) 2007. Biological Invaders in Inland Waters: Profiles, Distribution and Threats. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Pertinent current scientific literature of the topic

Term 2022/23Z:

see the general description

Term 2023/24Z:

see the general description

Term 2024/25:

see the general description

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 7404-SD-BIOL-IB in USOSweb