BIOL31511 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 3 Thomas Nuhse Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 All organisms live in an environment shared with many other species of microbes, animals and plants. This advanced ecology unit will introduce the different types of organismal interactions between animals, plants and microbes. Topics will include microbial communities in eukaryotic hosts, plant/pollinator interactions, parasitism and pathogenicity. All organisms live in an environment shared with many other species of microbes, animals and plants. This advanced ecology unit will introduce the different types of organismal interactions between animals, plants and microbes. Topics will include microbial communities in eukaryotic hosts, plant/pollinator interactions, parasitism and pathogenicity. Our reductionist approach to biology leads us to underestimate the influence that biotic interactions have on the physiology, development, ecology and evolution of a given organism. This unit will introduce the different types of organismal interactions between animals, plants and microbes. Particular emphasis will be placed on an integrated understanding of those interactions from the molecular to the ecological level, as well as an appreciation of parallels between similar processes across different kingdoms. We will discuss how knowledge of biotic interactions can be applied to agro-ecosystems, human health and conservation. <p>Students will be able to</p><p>• Understand biotic interactions as a central evolutionary force</p><p>• Dissect communication, signalling, manipulation and coevolution in biotic interactions</p><p>• Explain the relevance of biotic interactions for human health, conservation and sustainable agriculture</p><p>In addition, students will be able to evaluate and discuss original research; summarize and contextualise research articles for a non-specialist audience.</p> Analytical skills The modelling lab session involves the exploration, analysis and interpretation of mathematical models of ecological processes. The synoptic essay requires the analysis of current research literature (not covered in the course) using key lecture concepts as a framework. Innovation/creativity Both of the smaller coursework options allow for creativity in style and expression. Oral communication Lectures encourage questions and discussions of key concepts in-class. Coursework option A is a screencast of a journal club style discussion of a research paper. This allows for engaging but professional delivery in a concise format. Research Lectures are largely based on current research. The synoptic essay requires a considerable amount of literature search, analysis and discussion. Written communication Coursework option B involves writing a short summary of high-impact research paper, loosely based on style of "News & Views" in the journal Nature. The writing style should be accessible for a non-specialist audience and summarize background, novel findings and wider relevance/impact. The synoptic essay requires expert-level communication of a topic chosen by the student from several options. <ul><li>Mutualism – Theories of mutualism evolution - Microbial communities in eukaryotic hosts - Insect endosymbionts - Mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses</li><li>Plant as partners in biotic interactions: Plant/pollinator interactions; Herbivory: Seed predation and dispersal</li><li>Competition - Predation - Modelling of population dynamics as influenced by biotic interactions (including one PC Cluster session)</li><li>Parasitism and pathogenicity - Cross-kingdom comparison of parasitic/ pathogenic strategies for animal and plant hosts and of innate immunity</li><li>Biotic interactions in agro-ecosystems: Invasive species&nbsp;</li></ul> 0 Other 75% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 25% <p>Synoptic Coursework Essay (75%). &nbsp;</p><p>Coursework option A: Screencast of a journal club-style discussion of a research paper (25%)</p><p>Coursework option B: ‘News and Views’ style research paper review (25%)&nbsp;</p> <p>Formative feedback is available for the smaller coursework formats. &nbsp;</p><p>Past exam and examiner report exemplar available. &nbsp;</p> EART25001 Ecology and Conservation Pre-Requisite Recommended N Begon M, Townsend, C & Harper, J (2006) Ecology : from individuals to ecosystems (4th edition). Wiley-Blackwell Lectures 18 0 82