T1 Set 21 EPC
Course Information
Course Title: Ecologia das Populações e Comunidades (Ecology of Populations and Communities)
Instructor: Cristina Canhoto
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Contact Email: ccanhoto@ci.uc.pt
Main Communication Platform: Inforestudante
Class Schedule:
Theoretical Classes: Thursdays (09:00 – 11:00)
Practical Classes: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (14:00-17:00; 17:00-20:00)
Office Hours: Thursdays, 11:00-13:00
Course Content Overview
Introduction to Ecology: Concepts and Definitions
Ecology of Individuals: Relationships between organisms and their environment
Population Ecology:
Populations, Distribution, Abundance, and Population Growth
Animal Migration
Interactions: Competition, Predation, Parasitism, and Mutualism
From Populations to Communities:
Effects of Competition and Predation on Community Structure
Biodiversity and Abundance
Food Chains and Stability
Ecosystem Services and Sustainability:
Evaluation of Environmental Quality
Important Notes
Absences and Participation: Students are encouraged to arrive on time and be active participants.
Assignments & Evaluation: Continuous assessment includes theoretical evaluations and practical assignments.
Key Terminology
Ecology: Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems to humans that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living.
Assessments Overview
Continuous Assessment:
Frequency: 12 December 2024; 9h
Resource Exam: 16 January 2025 (to be confirmed; 9h)
Theoretical Content: 80% of final grade
Practical Work: 20% of final grade
Minimum Passing Grade: 10 out of 20
Teaching Methodology
The course will consist of theoretical and practical components where students will engage in discussions, case studies, and practical exercises to better understand ecological principles.