Course: Advances in Ecology

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Course title Advances in Ecology
Course code KZO/103
Organizational form of instruction Lesson
Level of course Doctoral
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in winter and summer semester.
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction Czech, English
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Hrček Jan, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Buček Aleš, RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Volf Martin, RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Klimeš Petr, RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Sam Kateřina, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • MATOS MARAVÍ Pável Fortunato, RNDr. MSc.
Course content
The course will be organised as a journal club, based on presentations and discussions of selected recent scientific publications. These publications will present new and important findings relevant to the students? specific fields of study, including Evolutionary ecology; Multitrophic interactions and chemical ecology; Phylogeography, phylogenomics, and insect evolution. Individual students will present articles of their own choice, subject to approval by the lecturer of the relevant parallel section. Each presentation will be followed by an open discussion involving all students.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Work with text (with textbook, with book), Activating (simulations, games, drama), Group work
  • Class attendance - 14 hours per semester
  • Preparation for classes - 30 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Course objectives: This course is designed to help students stay current with major developments in their specific area within the field of ecology. Students will develop skills to critically present and interpret cutting-edge research and to engage in scholarly discussion about how recent findings advance their field or challenge established paradigms. The course is structured into three parallel sections, each running throughout the semester: Evolutionary Ecology Led by Mgr. Jan Hrček, Ph.D. Multitrophic Interactions and Chemical Ecology Led by Mgr. Kateřina Sam, Ph.D., and RNDr. Martin Volf, Ph.D. Phylogeography, Phylogenomics, and Insect Evolution Led by RNDr. Aleš Buček, Ph.D., RNDr. Petr Klimeš, Ph.D., and RNDr. Pável Fortunato Matos Maraví, Ph.D. Students choose one section based on their academic focus and follow it for the duration of the semester. This course is primarily recommended for doctoral students in Entomology.
The students will keep up with important developments in their specific field within ecology and will learn how to critically interpret and present results of scientific studies.
Prerequisites
General ability of working with scientific literature and basic computer programs (Microsoft Office or similar) is assumed. Students are required to actively use English.

Assessment methods and criteria
Systematic student observation

Regular and active participation, including attendance at a minimum of 75% of practical classes. Students are expected to take part in discussions of selected scientific articles, which they must read before each class. Each student must select and present one or more scientific articles, with the exact number determined by the course instructor. The article must be selected at least one week before the scheduled presentation date. The selected article or articles are subject to approval by the lecturer.
Recommended literature
  • Nové články z časopisů jako Ecography, Ecology Letters, Ecological Entomology, Journal of Animal Ecology, Oecologia..


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester