Ecological bioenergetics Field of study: Biology
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2023

Module name: Ecological bioenergetics
Module code: 1BL_23_33
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2023
Semester:
  • summer semester 2026/2027
  • winter semester 2026/2027
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • winter semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: depending on the choice
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
This module aims to teach students about the connections between the principles of physics and the metabolic processes of organisms, as well as the resulting energy flows and primary and secondary productivity of populations and ecosystems. The factors shaping the magnitudes of these parameters and the role of humans in altering them will be considered. The construction of energy budgets, calculation of bioenergetic efficiency indices, and research methods in bioenergetics will be discussed. Regarding practical skills, the module aims to prepare students for independently conducting experiments and analyzing selected parameters characterizing the bioenergetics of individuals and populations, as well as modelling energy flows through populations, trophic networks, and ecosystems. Experiments on selected invertebrates using measurement equipment and apparatus will enable the calculation of indices for energy budgets, including the analysis of caloric content in micro and macro-biological samples and the determination of the rate of catabolic processes. Based on the results, variables of energy balance parameters at the individual, population, and trophic chain levels will be analyzed.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
It formulates its own thoughtful models of energy flows and understands the significance of knowledge related to ecosystem productivity and its determinants in the modern world. [BE_K01]
 1BL_K01 [3/5] 1BL_K02 [2/5] 1BL_K04 [1/5] 1BL_K05 [1/5]
It utilizes diverse available sources of information on bioenergetics-related issues and systematically analyzes the interrelationships of individual energy budgets and energy flows in populations, trophic chains, and the productivity of different types of ecosystems. It operates laboratory equipment and apparatus for measuring parameters necessary for constructing an energy budget and conducts their analysis accurately. It is familiar with contemporary trends and opportunities for utilizing knowledge in ecological bioenergetics in other scientific areas related to environmental issues and conservation. [BE_U01]
 1BL_U01 [3/5] 1BL_U03 [2/5] 1BL_U04 [2/5] 1BL_U05 [2/5] 1BL_U06 [3/5] 1BL_U08 [2/5] 1BL_U11 [1/5] 1BL_U12 [3/5]
Explains the basic principles governing the energy balance of organisms during their life processes and the mechanisms involved in maintaining it at the population and ecosystem levels. Describes the processes of energy flow between an organism and its environment and can identify the differences in these flows at different trophic levels. Utilizes knowledge of the laws of physics for methods and research techniques in assessing energy transformations in different life stages at the individual and population levels in conducted experiments. Familiar with experimental methods used in bioenergetics. [BE_W01]
 1BL_W01 [3/5] 1BL_W04 [2/5] 1BL_W08 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [01] 15 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Description [a03] 
Screen presentation [c07]  		exam BE_K01 BE_W01
laboratory classes [02] 15 Working with a computer [d01] 
Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01] 
Observation [e06] 
Practice-as-research [e08]  		course work BE_U01
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Determining the stages of task implementation contributing to the verification of learning outcomes [c01] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
devising a task implementation strategy embracing the division of content, the range of activities, implementation time and/or the method(s) of obtaining the necessary materials and tools, etc.
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Development of a corrective action plan as well as supplementary/corrective tasks [d02] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reviewing and selecting tasks and activities enabling the elimination of errors indicated by the academic teacher, their verification or correction resulting in completing the task with at least the minimum passing grade
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)