Biological invasions Field of study: Biology
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2020

Module name: Biological invasions
Module code: 1BL_40a
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2020
Semester: winter semester 2022/2023
Language of instruction: depending on the choice
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Description:
The purpose of the module is to acquaint students with the problem of biological invasions (of plants and animals) and of their natural, social and economic consequences. Students will learn the terminology that is used in the ecology of invasions and the patterns and processes of biological invasions in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems as well as the current research directions of invasive species. The module presents characteristic features of alien species that make invasions possible, their origins and timeline of historical and ongoing plant and animal invasions. Discussion sessions comprise the core subjects in invasion ecology, including the methodology that is applied in the research and control programmes in relation to applicable legal regulations (national and international). Students discussing, summarising and presenting the latest theoretical and practical achievements in the ecology of invasion together with perspectives for further research, including climate change issues and using the latest research tools and technologies (GIS, modeling)
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge about the diversity of plants and animals, general conditions for the diversity of plant cover and nature protection.
Key reading:
according to the syllabus
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]
Defines the concepts and terms appropriate to the ecology of invasion. [1BL_40_1]
 1BL_W05_P [5/5] 1BL_W06_P [5/5] 1BL_U05_P [5/5]
Identifies invasive organisms representing various systematic groups (plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) and characterizes their ecological potential. [1BL_40_2]
 1BL_W05_P [5/5] 1BL_U02_P [4/5] 1BL_U03_P [4/5]
IDescribes invasion routes and invasion models for alien species. [1BL_40_3]
 1BL_W01_P [5/5] 1BL_W05_P [5/5] 1BL_K02_P [3/5]
Discusses the natural, economic and social consequences of biological invasions and the scale of the threat arising from the introduction of alien species to the natural environment. [1BL_40_4]
 1BL_W07_P [5/5] 1BL_U02_P [4/5] 1BL_U04_P [4/5] 1BL_K03_P [4/5]
Indicates contemporary directions and methods of research on invasive species and explains methods of combating and managing invasive species. [1BL_40_5]
 1BL_W06_P [5/5] 1BL_U01_P [4/5] 1BL_U03_P [4/5]
Recalls and interprets basic legal regulations regarding biological invasions in Poland, Europe and the world. [1BL_40_6]
 1BL_W06_P [4/5] 1BL_W09_P [5/5]
Presents the need to raise public awareness of the effects of introducing invasive alien species and justifies the importance of preventing their spread. [1BL_40_7]
 1BL_K02_P [4/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
credit [1BL_40_w_1]
according to the rules set out in the syllabus
 1BL_40_1 1BL_40_2 1BL_40_3 1BL_40_4 1BL_40_5 1BL_40_6 1BL_40_7
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [1BL_40_fs_1]
Lecture using multimedia presentations.
 10
Work with the subject literature recommended in the syllabus and the original literature sought by the student based on the teacher's instructions; consolidation of knowledge based on own lecture notes.
 10 credit [1BL_40_w_1]
laboratory classes [1BL_40_fs_2]
Individual and group work under the supervision of the lecturer: - becoming familiar with selected invasive species; - direct observation - analysis of legal acts (work with source materials); - presentation of projects / scenarios (presentation); - discussion on the consequences of introducing invasive species; - presentation of illustrations, photos and teaching films (demonstration); - local field visit - identification of alien species in the field, combining theory and practice - demonstration, discussion.
 35
- preparation for classes (review of materials indicated by the teacher); - searching for legal acts and ordinances (optional); - preparation of a presentation or / and project / essay / poster on a given topic; - preparation for knowledge checking tests; - preparation of a report on the field site visit.
 25 credit [1BL_40_w_1]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)