Introduction to Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
Understand life's richness through ecology & evolution. Investigate genetics & bioacoustics in biodiversity via hands-on research!
About The Course
Introduction to Ecology, an 8-week course by Prof. Robin at IISER Tirupati, explores the fascinating world of biodiversity and its connection to ecological principles. Through engaging lectures and hands-on projects utilizing citizen science platforms like iNaturalist, students will learn to document, measure, and analyze the diversity of life around them. The course examines various facets of biodiversity, from species interactions and biogeographical patterns to the influence of evolution and even the information hidden within genes and sounds. Participants will gain practical skills in data collection, analysis using spreadsheets, and project creation. A special live session will showcase student projects and discuss opportunities for further engagement in ecological research.
Course Instructor
Prof. Robin
Associate Professor, ISER Tirupati
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Content Overview
Course Duration: 8 Weeks
Week 1: Biodiversity
- What is it? How do you connect with ecology
- Description of components of biodiversity
- Examples of abiotic components
- Understanding ranges of species and range overlap
Week 2: Exploring nature around you
- Documenting biodiversity & elements of study design
- Use online maps and functionalities available within them to understand the potential diversity around you
- Demonstration with some example sites. Tricks and tips on looking for various elements of Diversity
- How to find insects – what are the natural history drivers for insect diversity
- How do we identify birds and different ecology?
- Introduction to study design
Week 3: Creating a project
- Learn to create a biodiversity project
- Login, create observations and work with iNaturalist
Week 4: How do you measure biodiversity?
- What is Biogeography?
- What are the global patterns that are recognised today?
- How are biogeographic patterns in India known?
Week 5: Spreadsheet exercises on biodiversity
- How will you examine biodiversity data that you have collected?
- How can you integrate the learnings of biodiversity measurements with your data?
Week 6: How does biodiversity connect with evolution?
- Ecological processes result in evolution and creation of new species
- Example of Darwin’s Finches
Week 7: Example of Anoles from the Caribbean
- Study biodiversity and evolution with an example of Anoles from the Caribbean
Week 8: Understanding biodiversity from genes and sounds
- Often understanding biodiversity is challenging because it depends on the human construct of what a species is
- We will explore the ideas of taxonomy and the modern methods of understanding species using data from the genes of the species being studied
- We will show that using genetics our understanding of biodiversity in India has changed remarkably
- We will switch gears to understand what is cultural diversity – through bioacoustics or sounds produced by different species
- We will provide a brief introduction to how sounds are studied
- What are the patterns of acoustic diversity that we know?
Live Sessions: Weekly live interactive sessions on Saturdays
Course Eligibity
Students from partnered schools in any stream of Class X, XI and XII
Assessment Layout
Assignments: The course includes the release of 4 bi-weekly online assignments (every alternate week). Students need to attempt at least 3 of these assignments and must achieve a minimum score of 40 marks in each to be eligible for the certificate.
Take-Home Project: An optional project consisting of questions that cover all the topics from the theory videos, accompanied by a small project report.
Final Exam: An optional online final exam designed to assess the knowledge gained throughout the course, which can only be attempted after completing and submitting the required assignments and the take-home project.
Certificate Acquisition
Participation Certificate - Check Sample Certificate
To receive this participation certificate, a student must pass 3 out of 4 assignments with an average score of at least 40 marks.Completion Certificate - Check Sample Certificate
To receive this completion certificate, a student must fulfill the following criteria:
- A student must pass 3 out of 4 assignments with an average score of at least 40 marks.
- Submission of the take-home project is mandatory for the student.
- Once the above two conditions are satisfied, the student should attempt the final exam and must receive a minimum score of 40 marks.