14888 - Invasion Ecology Modulübersicht
| Module Number: | 14888 |
| Module Title: | Invasion Ecology |
| Invasionsökologie | |
| Department: | Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences |
| Responsible Staff Member: |
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| Language of Teaching / Examination: | English |
| Duration: | 1 semester |
| Frequency of Offer: | Every summer semester |
| Credits: | 6 |
| Learning Outcome: | By the end of this course, students will be able to: - Explain key concepts and definitions in invasion ecology, including distinctions between native, non-native, and invasive species. - Describe major pathways, stages, and mechanisms of biological invasions across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. - Summarize and compare central hypotheses and theoretical frameworks in invasion ecology from both invader and recipient community perspectives. - Analyze case studies of novel interactions between invasive and native species, including plant–insect, host–parasite, and predator–prey systems. - Evaluate ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive species using empirical evidence. - Assess and compare management strategies for invasive species, including prevention, monitoring, risk assessment, and biological control. |
| Contents: | This module introduces invasion ecology as a key field addressing the ecological, evolutionary, and socio-economic consequences of species introductions. It covers pathways and stages of biological invasions, definitions and classifications of invasive species, and major invasion hypotheses from both invader and recipient community perspectives. The course examines invasive species across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, with a focus on their impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being. Special emphasis is placed on novel species interactions, including plant–insect, host–parasite, and predator–prey systems, and on evolutionary processes shaping invasions. Through lectures and case-study-based group projects, students engage with predictive models, risk assessment protocols, and management strategies such as eradication, monitoring, and biological control. The module also critically discusses potential benefits of introduced species and future challenges under global environmental change. |
| Recommended Prerequisites: | Basic knowledge of ecology |
| Mandatory Prerequisites: | None |
| Forms of Teaching and Proportion: |
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| Teaching Materials and Literature: | Teaching materials will be uploaded in Moodle. |
| Module Examination: | Continuous Assessment (MCA) |
| Assessment Mode for Module Examination: |
Regular attendance at the event is expected in order to achieve the modul's learning outcomes.
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| Evaluation of Module Examination: | Performance Verification – graded |
| Limited Number of Participants: | 15 |
| Part of the Study Programme: |
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| Remarks: | None |
| Module Components: | 240327 Lecture/Seminar: Invasion ecology |
| Components to be offered in the Current Semester: |