課程資訊
課程名稱
生態學導論
Introductory Ecology 
開課學期
112-1 
授課對象
 
授課教師
周均珈 
課號
MPB5250 
課程識別碼
H44EU5250 
班次
 
學分
3.0 
全/半年
半年 
必/選修
 
上課時間
星期二6,7,8(13:20~16:20) 
上課地點
新504 
備註
本課程以英語授課。。A68:數學數位與量化分析、生命科學
總人數上限:40人 
 
課程簡介影片
 
核心能力關聯
本課程尚未建立核心能力關連
課程大綱
為確保您我的權利,請尊重智慧財產權及不得非法影印
課程概述

Ecology is a science for everybody. It has broad relevance to society, making it accessible to individuals from various disciplines. Its focus lies in understanding species abundance and distribution, as well as the interactions between organisms and their environments, spanning different ecological levels from individuals to communities. In this introductory ecology course, we will start by exploring how environmental conditions and available resources influence the vital functions of individuals, including birth, death, and movement. Through this understanding, we will delve into the regulation of population dynamics. In the second half of the semester, we will shift our attention to examining the interactions between species and their biotic environment, which ultimately shape community composition. Each lecture will not only cover foundational theories but also highlight the application of these theories by both pioneering and contemporary ecologists. Throughout the course, students will have ample opportunities to exchange ideas and engage in discussions with their peers. 

課程目標
The course will be designed as a 3-credit course. It will employ a blended and interactive approach, combining lectures, tours, group presentations, and classroom discussions. Even students without prior knowledge of ecology will receive support to successfully complete the course. Throughout the course, students will gain an appreciation for nature with basic understanding of ecological theories. Upon completion, students will have the ability to explain, from an individual to a community level, how organisms interact with their environment, shaping their ecological niche, and how biotic and abiotic factors collectively influence species abundance and distribution. Throughout the course, students will be actively encouraged to creatively apply their ecological knowledge in tackling societal crises. They will have abundant opportunities to practice critical thinking, communication skills, problem solving, project managing, and teamwork during course activities. 
課程要求
This course is suitable for students who possess a passion for understanding nature and wish to apply ecological knowledge to the management of natural resources and wildlife conservation. Active participation from students is essential, as they will be expected to complete assigned readings prior to lectures, participate in group discussions, and complete weekly assignments. Through lectures and discussions, students will develop a solid foundation in ecological principles and gain insights into contemporary environmental issues. Additionally, we will dedicate biweekly sessions to the design of the board game. Each group of students will present a mid-term proposal, which will undergo peer assessment. Based on student preferences, the most favored board game idea will be chosen for further development. At the end of the semester, students will work together and create an ecological board game that fulfil the educational purpose and can be enjoyed by the general public. 
預期每週課後學習時數
 
Office Hours
另約時間 備註: If you have any questions please feel free to email the TAs 有問題請問TA: YunChi Chen : r12945041@ntu.edu.tw Camille (Kamca) Kuo: cpkuo@berkeley.edu 
指定閱讀
The course content will be derived primary from the textbook listed below. Some addi-tional papers will be announced as the lecture unfolds.
• Begon M., Townsend C. R. 2006. Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems, 4th edition. (John Wiley and Sons)  
參考書目
 
評量方式
(僅供參考)
   
針對學生困難提供學生調整方式
 
上課形式
以錄影輔助
作業繳交方式
學生與授課老師協議改以其他形式呈現
考試形式
書面(口頭)報告取代考試
其他
由師生雙方議定
課程進度
週次
日期
單元主題
Week 1
Sep 5  Course introduction, expectation, schedule for group presentations
Preface & introduction: ecology & its domain
Assignment 
Week 2
Sep 12  NTU museum tour (zoology & botany)
Assignment 
Week 3
Sep 19  Ch. 1 Interactions between organisms and their environments
Activity: play an ecological board game 
Week 4
Sep 26  Ch. 2 Conditions
Group discussion: Should genetically modified or-ganisms (GMOs) be used to enhance crop yields and reduce agricultural impacts? 
Week 5
Oct 3  Ch. 3 Resources
Group discussion: what are the necessary compo-nents of a board game? 
Week 6
Oct 10  Public holiday 
Week 7
Oct 17  Ch. 4 Life, death and life histories
Group discussion: Should governments implement more stringent regulations to combat climate change? How? 
Week 8
Oct 24  Group presentation of a proposed ecological board game
Submission of the mid-term report 
Week 9
Oct 31  Ch. 6 Dispersal, dormancy, and metapopulation
Lecture: game design 
Week 10
Nov 7  Ch. 10 The population dynamics of predation
Group discussion: how to incorporate the idea of evolution into an ecological board game? 
Week 11
Nov 14  Ch. 8 Interspecific competition
Group discussion: how can we define a win for organisms in an ecological board game?  
Week 12
Nov 21  Ch. 12 Parasitism and disease
Group discussion: what are the main characters in an ecological board game? 
Week 13
Nov 28  Ch. 13 Symbiosis and mutualism
Group discussion: what can be a chance or community chest card for organisms in an ecological board game? 
Week 14
Dec 5  Ch. 16 The nature of the community: patterns in space and time
Group discussion: Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research or entertainment? 
Week 15
Dec 12  Game demo & modification 
Week 16
Dec 19  Finalize the board game & game demo
Submission of final report (game instructions)