3 ECTS credits
75 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4024154FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under agreement for exchange of courses
Faculty
Faculteit Wetenschappen en Bio-ingenieurswetensch.
Department
Biology
External partners
Université libre de Bruxelles
Educational team
Iris Stiers (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
17 contact hours Lecture
17 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

This course will examine the theoretical and applied aspects of invasive species ecology and management, including terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Major themes of the course will include: 1) ecological processes and the spread of invasive species; 2) impacts of invasive species; 3) invasive species management; and 4) policies and regulations involving invasive species.

In this human-shaped epoch that is the Anthropocene, the spread and establishment of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is regarded as one of the main threats to biodiversity worldwide. Highly adaptable and competitive, these invaders spread and establish quickly upon introduction into a novel environment, especially when this is disturbed by anthropogenic activities.

This course will cover following subjects:

-An introduction to invasion ecology

-Transport vectors and pathways

-Ecological processes and the spread of invasive species

-Impacts of invasive species

-Management of invasive species

-Policy and legislation involving invasive species

-Education and outreach with regard to invasive species

Guest speakers from various academic and/or professional sectors which are experts in certain invasive taxonomic groups will be invited to illustrate their specific view and approach of the problem.

Additional info

No specific textbook is used. Powerpoint slides and relevant scientific and opinion papers will be made available.

The following books can be useful:

-Lockwood et al. Invasion Ecology (2013) Wiley-Blackwell

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

Upon completion of the course a student must be able to:

-Explain the history of invasion ecology.

-Outline the stages of the invasion process.

-Describe and critically evaluate the hypotheses to explain biological invasions.

-Summarize the effects of invasions on communities and ecosystems.

-List the possible management strategies for invasions and their pros and cons.

-Frame biological invasions within the science-policy interface.

-Understand the added value of education and public awareness for successful prevention and management of invasive species.

-Synthesize and critique about primary literature.

-Discuss literature with fellow scientists and orally present.

 

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 80% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 20% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • oral exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 80% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Projects/Presentations/Reporti with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 20% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Oral assessment: 80 %

Projects/Presentations/Reporting: 20 %

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Biology: AR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems